Definition of domestic violence
South Gloucestershire Domestic Violence Forum considers that:
"Domestic violence is the use, attempt, or threat of violence - whether physical, emotional, sexual, mental or economic, within an intimate or family relationship. Domestic Violence forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour."
Domestic violence occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography. Research shows, however, that it consists mainly of violence by men against women and it is not necessary for partners to have cohabited.
Domestic violence and domestic abuse are used interchangeably to refer to the above definition.
Who does it affect?
Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in the United Kingdom and is currently vastly under-reported, with victims experiencing on average 35 separate incidents of abuse before reporting their experiences to anyone.
It is vital for communities to raise awareness of domestic violence and to support victims in disclosing their experiences and to seek the support they need to stop the violence and abuse.
Child protection issue
Domestic violence is a child protection issue for families. 90% of children living in violent households will be in the same or the next room when the violence occurs and can be affected by the abuse in many ways from becoming withdrawn and absorbed in school work to acting up and displaying anti-social behaviour. Children may also be hurt themselves during domestic violence incidents, whether accidentally or on purpose, and agencies are in a position to support families and children and young people with these issues.
Support and help
South Gloucestershire now hosts a 'Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference' (MARAC) for victims of domestic violence. MARACs are held four-weekly in South Gloucestershire, with capacity to discuss up to ten high risk-cases. Representatives from many statutory and voluntary agencies are invited to attend, including police, groups concerned with health, education, social services, probation, housing, victim support and the organisations Survive and Next Link.
Information about the cases is circulated securely to all agencies in advance and they are asked to bring along any information they hold. We then discuss the facts of the case and put together a multi-agency action plan to support the safety of the victim and any children. Examples of actions within such an action plan may include increased security at home, outreach support, refuge accommodation, amendments to bail conditions and 'treat as urgent' markers for the police.
There is also a 'specialist domestic violence court' (SDVC) based at North Avon Magistrates Court in Yate. The court operates weekly, with two court rooms on a Wednesday allocated to deal solely with domestic violence cases. On this day, victims and witnesses can enter the court via a separate guarded entrance, into a witness suite, which is an annexe to the main court. There is a dedicated prosecutor and domestic abuse police officer present at court, and all court staff have been trained in domestic violence issues.
Survive also offers an 'independent domestic violence advocate' (IDVA) who may be in touch with a high-risk victim after an arrest has taken place, to support them with the criminal justice process and explain how the system works. The IDVA can also support the victims with any needs regarding housing, children, finances, safety etc.
If you are experiencing domestic violence or think someone you know might be, please seek help – see the directory of domestic violence services available in South Gloucestershire. In an emergency always call the police on 999.