Domestic violence
Domestic violence is the physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and/or economic abuse of one person by another who is in, or has been in, a relationship with them.
The relationship may be between partners, ex-partners, or other family members. Children involved also suffer direct or indirect harm.
Domestic violence is mainly perpetrated by men towards women. This is not to deny the existence of violence toward men or that women abuse. It is acknowledged that domestic violence occurs between same sex partners.
Domestic violence occurs in all classes and communities. Certain groups face additional barriers and discrimination when trying to access services.
Statistics
- One in four women, and one in six men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives.
- Approximately 150 people are murdered as a result of domestic violence from their current or former partner each year, this is approximately 30 men and 120 women.
- On average, a woman receives 35 assaults before she seeks help - this figure rises to 39 assaults in the case of black women.
- Two women die at the hands of their partner or ex-partner each week.
- NSPCC say that 90 per cent of children are in the same room or room next door to the attack.
Range of abuse
When people think about domestic violence, they tend to focus on the physical abuse rather than the psychological abuse. It is important to understand that domestic violence is wide-ranging, and that other forms of abuse have a negative impact upon the woman's well-being as much as physical injuries. This range of abusive behaviour can be split into 4 sections:
- Physical - pushing; shoving; beating; burning; strangling; kicking; stabbing;
killing. - Sexual - sexual degradation; rape; forced and unwanted sexual practices.
- Psychological - complete control of the woman's life; threats to kill her or
the children; enforced social isolation; verbal abuse and threats; constant criticism; sleep deprivation. - Financial - taking money from her; denying her money for herself and/or the
children.
Signifiers of abuse
There are 2 signifiers of abuse - physical and psychological (which manifests itself in behaviour). Many men inflict physical injuries where the bruises and scars will not be visible, therefore it is important to be aware of the behavioural signifiers of domestic violence.
Psychological signifiers:
- Nervousness
- Withdrawn
- Lack of self-esteem
- History of depression
- Anxious
- Sleeplessness
- Inability to cope
Physical signifiers:
- Unexplained bruising/lacerations
- Burns
- Neck injuries/choke marks
- Multiple injuries in various stages of healing
- Exhaustion
Initiatives in Liverpool:
- Mobile phones have been distributed
- Door stop alarms used
- Personal attack alarms distributed
- Lifeline alarms installed
- Target hardening in excess of 130 properties last year
- Police surgeries for hard to reach groups
For more information regarding Voice For Change, an independent Charitable Organisation which deals with issues around Domestic Violence, click here.
Other initiatives are also being developed and the website will be updated on a periodic basis.