Domestic violence

Are you afraid of someone you know or live with?

What is domestic violence?

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives (British Crime Survey 2001/02).
• 2 women are murdered every week on average in the UK, by a partner or ex-partner (British Crime Survey 2001/02).
• 1 in 3 domestic violence incidents begin in pregnancy (Metropolitan Police Study 2002).

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, social group, where they live, class, lifestyle, disability or sexuality.

It is a range of behaviours used by an abuser to exert power and control over another person.

The Government defines domestic violence as: "Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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 but is not limited to: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.

'Controlling behaviour' is a range of acts designed to make a person dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistence and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

'Coercive behaviour' is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim.

The decision to take action against the abuser may be a difficult one, but it is important to remember that whether you decide to leave or stay, support is available.

Help and support

If you require further information or help and support, the following contacts may be useful for you.

In an emergency always dial 999

• Swindon 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 01793 610610 (for Refuge and Outreach Services)
• National 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 200 0247
• Swindon Police Domestic Abuse Unit: 01793 507801
• Swindon Borough Council Housing Needs Team: 01793 463181
• MALE (for male victims of domestic violence): 0808 801 0327
• Childline: 0800 1111
• Broken Rainbow (for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender): 0300 999 5428
• The Honour Network (a national helpline for victims affected by forced marriage or honour-based violence - open every day from 9am-9pm): 0800 599 9247
• Respect (for perpetrators of domestic violence): 0808 802 4040

Or you can visit the following websites:

Swindon Women's Aid www.swindonwomensaid.org

Women's Aid www.womensaid.org.uk

Men's Advice Line www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Broken Rainbow www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

The Hideout (for children and young people) www.thehideout.org.uk

Southall Black Sisters (for Asian and African Caribbean women experiencing domestic violence) www.southallblacksisters.org.uk

Karma Nirvana (for people experiencing forced marriage or honour-based violence) www.karmanirvana.org.uk

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