Domestic violence and abuse occurs in all groups and sections of society, and will happen regardless of age, race, sexuality, disability, religion, class, gender or mental health.
Despite various misconceptions, domestic violence and abuse can take place inside and outside the home. While it is predominantly a crime, with a female victim and male perpetrator, it can occur in lesbian and gay relationships, or be perpetrated by a woman towards a man. The abuse may also be from a brother, father, son, uncle, and other male and female family members, or a lodger or ex-partner.
Many different definitions of domestic violence exist, it is expected that different agencies will adapt their own definitions from the above; however there should be no conflict with the core definition.
Domestic violence is often now referred to as domestic abuse because it includes psychological and financial abuse – not commonly behaviour thought of as ‘violent’. Many victims are already in denial about their circumstances and will not wish to identify with ‘violence’ but would be able to identify with the more general term of abuse.
Key facts:
· Domestic Violence accounts for 16% of violent crime (BCS 2001/2002).
· Domestic Violence affects both men and women: In 2001/2002 81% of women and 19% of men were victim/survivors of Domestic Violence.
· 2 women a week are killed in a Domestic Violence incident.
· Nearly half of all female murder victims are killed by a partner or ex partner.
· 35% of murders in the last five years have been as a consequence of Domestic Violence
· At least two incidents of Domestic Violence are reported to the police every 60 seconds.
· On average a women will have been a victim of domestic violence 35 times before she reports the abuse
