The Government defines domestic abuse as “Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.”
This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called ‘honour killings’
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Statistics
- Domestic Abuse statistics can be hidden as many crimes of abuse still go unreported to the police.
- In 9 out of 10 cases, children are in the same or next room when abuse takes place.
- Between 30-66% of Domestic Abuse incidents include child abuse.
- 1 in 4 women will experience some degree of violent abuse by her partner in her life. At least two women a week are killed by their former or currant partners. (Home Office 2000).
FACTS about Domestic Abuse/Violence
Who is Affected?
- Married couples
- Cohabiting couples
- Ex-partners
- Children/young people
- Relatives
- Disabled and mentally ill individuals
- Travelling individuals and families
- Gay couples/men/and the employed
- Affects every class/race/culture/religion
What does it mean to be abused?
- Intimidation
- Threats
- Manipulation
- Isolation
- Locked in
- Financial depravity
How does it make abused women feel?
- Frightened
- Degraded
- Unable to make decisions
- Trapped
- Isolated
- Ashamed
- No hope
- Loose the will to live
Some of the Tactics of Perpetrators
- He or she refuses to let you have friends.
- They may keep you from seeing your friends.
- They may stops you from leaving the house without a valid reason.
- They make you afraid by what they say (e.g. threaten you).
