Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is defined as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality”. It can include psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. Domestic Violence is a pattern of behaviour that is designed to control and intimidate a victim. Statistics show that abusers come from all walks of life, from any ethnic group, religion, class or neighbourhood, and of any age.

The Facts:

• Approximately 1 in 4 women will suffer abuse in their lifetime.
• More than 500,000 women suffer abuse each year.
• In the UK the police receive one domestic violence call every minute, and yet less than half of all incidents are reported.
• At least two women are reported killed every week by their abusive partners.
• Domestic violence costs the UK government £23 billion per annum.

What About Children?

• In many cases, children suffer as much as women. The majority of children in domestic violence situations witness the abuse, at least 750,000 children a year.
• In about half of all domestic violence situations, the children are being directly abused themselves
• Nearly three-quarters of children on the ‘at risk’ register live in households where domestic violence occur