Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a serious societal problem in the UK, affecting individuals across all demographics. It involves controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, and violent behaviour by a partner, ex-partner, family member, or carer. It's crucial to understand that domestic abuse is never the victim's fault and is a crime. The following also includes elder abuse.

What is Domestic Abuse?

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides a statutory definition of domestic abuse as any incident or pattern of incidents between those aged 16 years and over who are, or have been, in an intimate relationship, or are family members, that constitutes physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, or psychological, emotional or other abuse.

Types of Domestic Abuse:

Domestic abuse can take many forms, and victims may experience a combination of these:

Physical Abuse: This includes hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, biting, burning, strangulation, and any other form of physical violence.
Sexual Abuse: This involves any unwanted sexual act, including rape, sexual assault, and sexual coercion.
Psychological/Emotional Abuse: This can include name-calling, belittling, intimidation, threats, isolation from friends and family, and constant criticism. Gaslighting, a form of emotional abuse, makes the victim doubt their own sanity and perception of reality.
Controlling Behaviour: This involves actions designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance, and escape, and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive Behaviour: This is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten the victim.
Economic Abuse: This involves controlling a person's finances, preventing them from working, taking their money, or creating debt in their name.
Online/Digital Abuse: This includes using technology to control, monitor, harass, or threaten someone, such as through social media, emails, or tracking devices.
"Honour"-Based Abuse: This involves violence or abuse committed to protect or restore the "honour" of a family or community.
Forced Marriage: This is a marriage where one or both people do not consent and duress is a factor.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Although a specific crime, it can occur within a context of domestic abuse and control.
Stalking and Harassment: Repeated unwanted contact and behaviour that causes fear or distress.

How Domestic Abuse Affects People:

Domestic abuse has devastating and far-reaching consequences for victims:

Physical Injuries: Bruises, cuts, broken bones, and chronic pain. In severe cases, it can lead to death.
Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts.
Emotional Distress: Fear, shame, guilt, isolation, and a sense of helplessness.
Financial Hardship: Loss of income, debt, and difficulty securing housing.
Social Isolation: Being cut off from friends, family, and support networks.
Impact on Children: Children living in households where domestic abuse occurs can suffer significant emotional and psychological harm, even if they are not directly abused. They may experience behavioural problems, anxiety, depression, and difficulties in school. They are also considered victims of domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 if they see, hear, or experience the effects of the abuse.
Homelessness: Victims may be forced to leave their homes and become homeless.

Statistics in the UK (Note: Statistics can vary slightly depending on the source and year):

Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the UK experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. This equates to around 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6-7 men.
Millions of adults experience domestic abuse each year.
Women are significantly more likely than men to experience severe and repeated forms of domestic abuse, including sexual violence and homicide.
A significant number of domestic homicides involve a woman killed by a current or former partner.
Children living with domestic abuse are often directly harmed by the perpetrator.
The economic and social costs of domestic abuse are substantial.
Police record a high number of domestic abuse-related incidents annually, but it is estimated that a significant proportion goes unreported.

How to Minimise Domestic Abuse (Focus on Prevention and Support):

Minimising domestic abuse requires a societal shift and a multi-agency approach:

Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about what constitutes domestic abuse, its impact, and where to seek help. This includes educating young people about healthy relationships and consent.
Challenging Gender Inequality and Harmful Stereotypes: Addressing the root causes of domestic abuse, which are often linked to gender inequality and societal norms that condone violence and control.
Early Intervention: Identifying individuals and families at risk and providing support before abuse escalates. This can involve schools, healthcare professionals, and social services.
Support for Victims: Ensuring accessible and comprehensive support services for victims, including helplines, refuges, counselling, legal advice, and financial assistance.
Holding Perpetrators Accountable: Effective law enforcement and criminal justice responses that hold abusers accountable for their actions.
Working with Perpetrators: Providing programmes aimed at changing the behaviour of perpetrators.
Creating Safe Communities: Fostering communities where domestic abuse is not tolerated and where victims feel safe to come forward.
Training for Professionals: Equipping professionals across various sectors (police, healthcare, social work, education) to recognise and respond effectively to domestic abuse.

How to Report Domestic Abuse:

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is, there are several ways to report it and seek help:

In an Emergency, Call 999: If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the textphone service 18000 or text 999 if you have pre-registered with the emergencySMS service. If you can't speak, call 999 and listen to the operator's questions. If prompted, press '55' on your mobile to make yourself heard (this only works on mobiles).
Call 101 for Non-Emergencies: If the situation is not an immediate emergency, you can call 101 to report the abuse to your local police.
Visit Your Local Police Station: You can go to your nearest police station to report domestic abuse in person.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): Call 0808 2000 247 for free, confidential support 24/7. Visit their website for online chat and information.
Women's Aid: Offers a live chat service and email support via their website. They also provide information and support for women and children.
The Men's Advice Line (Respect): For male victims of domestic abuse, call 0808 801 0327.
Galop: For lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) people experiencing domestic abuse, call 0800 999 5428.
Live Fear Free Helpline (Wales): Call 08088010800.
Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: Call 0800 027 1234.
Victim Support: Offers a free, confidential 24/7 Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111 and a live chat service.
Bright Sky App: A free mobile app that provides support and information to anyone experiencing domestic abuse or worried about someone else.

When reporting, try to provide as much detail as possible about the abuse, including dates, times, specific incidents, and any injuries.

How to Deal with Domestic Abuse in the UK (Support and Legal Options):

The UK has laws and support systems in place to help victims of domestic abuse:

Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs): These can be issued by the police and courts to provide immediate protection to victims, including preventing the abuser from coming near their home or contacting them.
Non-Molestation Orders: Civil court orders that prevent an abuser from using or threatening violence, or from harassing the victim and any relevant children.
Occupation Orders: Civil court orders that regulate who can live in the family home.
Restraining Orders: Criminal court orders issued after a conviction, preventing the abuser from contacting or approaching the victim.
The Pet Abduction Act 2024: Recognises pets as sentient beings, which can be relevant in cases where abusers use pets to control or harm victims.
Refuges and Safe Accommodation: Provide temporary safe housing for victims fleeing abuse.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs): Specialist caseworkers who provide support and advocacy to victims at high risk of serious harm.
Counselling and Therapy: Help victims cope with the trauma and emotional impact of abuse.
Legal Aid: May be available to help victims with legal costs related to domestic abuse.
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse (Clare's Law): Allows individuals to ask the police if their partner has a history of domestic abuse.

It is vital for anyone experiencing domestic abuse to remember that they are not alone and help is available. Reaching out to the services listed above can provide a lifeline and support in finding safety and building a life free from abuse.