The most recent figures show that an estimated 2.3 million adults aged 16 – 74 suffered some form of domestic abuse in the last 12 months. But what is domestic abuse? Who does it affect? 

There are many misconceptions about what domestic abuse is and who it affects. Many think that domestic abuse is only physical, while others think it only affects women. However, domestic abuse is much more than physical violence and it not only affects women, but it also affects men, children and entire families too.

Support for victims of domestic abuse

What does it look like?

Domestic abuse comes in many forms including, but not limited to:

  • Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
  • Psychological and/or emotional abuse
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Financial or economic abuse
  • Harassment and stalking
  • Online or digital abuse

Domestic violence is all about control and power. It can be violent and non-violent, plus it’s not limited to people who are married, it affects people in cohabitational relationships too.

Who does this affect?

It’s often thought that domestic abuse only affects women, but increasingly men and children are suffering abuse. In some cases, domestic abuse can tear through entire families, immediate and wider.

However, women are subject to abuse more often than most. Studies show that this is regardless of a woman’s race, ethnic or religious group, sexuality, class, or disability.

But studies also show that some women do face greater barriers to disclosing abuse and finding help.

Are you, is someone you know suffering from Domestic Abuse?

Meanwhile, one in seven (14.2%) children and young people under the age of 18 will have lived with domestic violence at some point in their childhood.

In certain cases, domestic violence can be fatal. Between January 2005 and August 2015, 19 children and two women were killed by perpetrators of domestic abuse in circumstances relating to child contact, according to a study by Women’s Aid.

Cyber Bullying is part of domestic abuse

What is victim-blaming?

Victim-blaming is a major issue for those suffering domestic abuse. Quite often, women are afraid to come forward for fear of being blamed for the abuse that they are suffering.

How to help a victim of domestic abuse

A 2017 Crime Survey found that some perpetrators of domestic violence blamed their abusive behaviour on their partner, claiming that their actions were ‘justified’ because their partner was:

  • Cheating on them or having an affair
  • Flirting with another person
  • Constantly moaning or nagging

Meanwhile, women in particular are often criticised for ‘failing’ to leave an abusive relationship.

It’s becoming too common

Worryingly, domestic abuse is becoming all too common. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, reports of domestic abuse skyrocketed. However, support services are now more widely available than in previous years to combat rising domestic abuse numbers.

Back in January, the UK government launched the ‘Ask for Ani’ scheme, a codeword initiative introduced in pharmacies across the UK that enables domestic abuse sufferers to get help by ‘asking to speak to Ani’. The scheme gives abuse sufferers access to much needed support to escape their abuser.

Holland Family LawDoing our part

Holland Family Law’s dedicated domestic abuse team is here to help you escape your abuser and protect your future. We are discreet, offering reliable legal advice and support.

Thank you to Claire Holland of Holland Family Law for this important blog. You can contact Claire and the team through the Hug Directory

Holland Family Law Leicester

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or head to your nearest pharmacy and look for an Ask for Ani display.

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Written by The Group Hug

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