Domestic Abuse

For a long time domestic violence has been a crime that has been hidden away, but we are determined to bring it out into the open. The CDNA has long campaigned to raise awareness of the issue as district nurses are uniquely placed to identify violence in the home whilst on their routine visits. The CNDA has hosted a number of special conferences in the UK on the issue with its members bringing together the key agencies health, social services, legal services and the police.

What is meant by 'domestic violence'?

Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Facts & figures

Although domestic violence is chronically under reported, research estimates that it:

• accounts for 16% of all violent crime (Source: Crime in England and Wales 04/05 report)
• 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's 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.

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

English National Domestic Violence helpline
0808 2000 247
Northern Ireland Women's Aid 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline
028 9033 1818
Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 027 1234
Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 80 10 800
Male Advice & Enquiry Line
0845 064 6800

If you are a man experiencing domestic violence or you want to call on behalf of a male friend or relative, you can contact the Male Advice & Enquiry Line.

The Dyn Wales/Dyn Cymru Helpline

The Helpline provides safety planning and advocacy
0808 801 0321
www.dynproject.org

Links

http://www.refuge.org.uk/

http://www.womensaid.org.uk/