Domestic Abuse

Important: Please click here to read our Safety Warning before reading further.

Domestic Abuse/Violence is defined as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender.

Northumberland Domestic Violence Forum is one of the key agencies involved in the CDRP...More info here.

In January 2000, Tynedale Domestic Violence Forum commissioned research into domestic violence in rural Northumberland. The research was undertaken in the first six months of 2000 and involved members of all three Domestic Violence Forums across rural Northumberland.

Emergency calls reported to the Police were analysed and the results are shown in the Crime Audit (Jan 2002) Document. The data in this document supplements recorded crime and incident data and indicates the extent of domestic violence as reported to the Police.

Findings from research suggest that between 1996-2000 Police in Northumberland received over 5000 calls referred to as domestic violence of which at least 3000 required repeat visits to attend approximately 600 addresses across rural areas and urban centres in Northumberland. Other agencies in Northumberland including Women’s Aid, Victim Support, Housing Departments, Social Services and Health Practitioners all report that victims had sought their help. In addition, a sample of victims reported they had experienced abusive and threatening behaviour many times and often over a period of many years before seeking help.

These findings are supported by evidence from the British Crime Survey (1998) that estimated that one in four women will experience violence within an intimate relationship. The BCS discovered that while half of the victims do speak to someone, usually friends and relatives, the Police were only informed of 12% of the incidents reported to the BCS.

As a consequence of this research a new strategy to tackle Domestic Violence has been developed. In October 2001 Women's Aid were appointed Co-ordinators of a Northumberland-wide strategic approach with the objectives of:

• Raising awareness amongst practitioners and the public

• Developing and delivering a co-ordinated approach to service delivery amongst all agencies working with the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence

Research commissioned by the 3 Domestic Violence Forums in Northumberland indicated that Domestic Violence was problematic in both urban and rural areas of the County. At present, recorded data is weak, partially due to victim visibility and reluctance to report.

Only 20 Domestic Violence Offences were recorded in the Borough between 1998-2001, the lowest of all Northumberland districts.

The new Homes Act which comes into force in April 2002 will strengthen powers to deal with the victims of domestic violence and provide supported accommodation. Local authorities throughout Northumberland are preparing to meet the challenges of this new legislation and the Borough Council is working towards the provision of specialist supported accommodation for women fleeing or at risk from violence.

It has been recognised that this kind of accommodation is essential to ensure that victims of domestic violence do not have to travel to refuges as distant as Jedburgh or south-east Northumberland.

Violence or abuse within the home or from a partner is a particularly harrowing and distressing experience for the victim. Recent research shows that only 1 in 4 women (although the CDRP recognises that victims can be men) have actually sought help despite, in many cases, sustained abuse over a lengthy period.

Is Domestic Violence a priority for the Partnership? Yes

The Partnership is concerned that the local rate of Domestic Violence offences is increasing, and that under-reporting remains a huge problem despite the efforts of the North Northumberland Domestic Violence Forum. The Partnership proposes that Domestic Violence should be a strategic priority and thus has agreed to adopt Domestic Violence as one of its 6 Strategic Priorities for the period 1 April 2002 – 31 March 2005.

Key CDRP Actions:

• Develop working relationships with the Northumberland Domestic Violence Forum, Women’s Aid and North Northumberland Victim Support;

• Implement a high-profile campaign to inform and educate the public about domestic violence;

• Develop emergency telephone links to the Police for victims of domestic violence;

• Establish a voluntary transport scheme to enable victims of domestic violence to seek help and/or refuge or other place of safety;

• Develop civil remedies (e.g. Protection from Harassment Act 1997) to deal with perpetrators of domestic violence;

• Expand service availability and accessibility throughout the Borough;

• Work with Accident and Emergency Services and GPs to encourage people to use available services and to produce new information on incidents, which has previously been unavailable.
   

Could you be a Victim?

Have you suffered from any of these at the hands of a spouse, partner or member of your family?

• Physical Assault
• Sexual Abuse
• Rape
• Threats
• Destructive Criticism
• Pressure Tactics
• Disrespect
• Breaking Trust
• Isolation
• Harassment
• Economic abuse

If you have suffered from one or more of the above, then you are a victim of Domestic Violence. You are not to blame - please ask for help and support.

Do you need or want help?  Then contact any of the following organisations now:

Councillor Hazel Bettison, Chairperson, North Northumberland Domestic Violence Forum says:

"Everyone’s expectations can be at an unrealistic level regarding the behaviour of spouses, partners and family members. The reality is very much different. You do not have to suffer alone and in silence, help is out there. As a past victim of Domestic Violence, I received help and support to enable me to break the cycle of violence. Do not wait, suffer no longer, and help others to help you improve your quality of life. Remove the Fear".

Neil Mutch, North Northumberland Area Command Domestic Violence Liaison Officer, Northumbria Police says:

"Northumbria Police take all incidents of Domestic Violence very seriously and aim to protect victims and prosecute offenders. The policy will be vigorously enforced throughout the year ".

Gerald Connor, Community Safety Officer, Berwick Borough Council says:

"Domestic Violence is a crime punishable by the courts. Victims have every right to protection. It is a ‘hidden’ crime, which in no way detracts from its seriousness.  If you are a victim, seek help it is the only way to stop it".

The abuse can start at anytime in a relationship whether it is new or long-standing. Help is out there. You are not alone.

Womens Aid
A national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. National 24hr confidential domestic helpline 08457 023 468. You do not have to be in an emergency situation to phone.

BBC Website on Domestic Violence
Excellent Source of advice and information, including advice for male victims.