Domestic Violence.
What is 'Domestic Violence'?
The
Government definition of domestic violence has been agreed as:
‘Any
incident of threatening behaviour or an abuse (psychological, physical, sexual,
financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or
family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.’
Facts and figures
Although domestic violence is chronically under reported, research estimates
that it:
-
accounts for 16%
of all violent crime
-
has more
repeat victims than any other crime (on average there will have been 35
assaults before a victim calls the police)
-
costs in
excess of £23bn a year
-
claims
the lives of two women each week and 30 men per year
-
is the
largest cause of morbidity worldwide in women aged 19 – 44, greater than war,
cancer or motor vehicle accidents
-
will
affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime
Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident. More
usually it is a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the
abuser seeks power over their victim.
Domestic violence occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race,
sexuality, wealth and geography. The figures show, however, that it consists
mainly of violence by men against women.
Victims of domestic violence suffer on many levels – health, housing, education
– and lose the freedom to live their lives how they want and without fear.
New laws to
increase protection from domestic violence
The
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 was introduced to increase the
protection, support and rights of victims and witnesses. It also gives the
police and other agencies the tools to get to the heart of domestic violence
crimes.
How
you can help
If
you are a victim of domestic violence, or are a concerned friend or relative,
you can get the help and support you need.
Domestic violence helplines
The
following helplines can offer you practical help and advice including:
- emergency refuge accommodation
- safety planning and advice
- translation facilities if you have difficulty communicating in English
Helpline Numbers
Women’s Aid Federation of England
Women’s Aid 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline
Tel: 0847 023 468
www.womensaid.org.uk
Refuge
24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline
Tel: 0808 808 9999
Southall Black Sisters
Tel: 020 8571 9595
Jewish Women’s Aid
Tel: 0800 591 203
Helpline for Women with Learning Difficulties
Tel: 020 8522 0675
SOLA
For Survivors of Lesbian Abuse
Tel: 020 7328 7389
Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
Tel: 020 7837 7324
Domestic Violence Intervention Project
For men who abuse Women’s support Service
Tel: 020 8563 7983 Tel: 020 8748 6512
Refugee Council
Tel: 020 7346 6777
Survivors UK (for sexually abused men)
Tel: 020 7613 0808
Samaritans
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Shelter Advice Line
Tel: 0808 800 4444
NSPCC (National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
24-hour helpline Tel: 0808 800 500