Domestic violence is a generic term to describe
a range of violent and non- violent but abusive behaviours, some of
which are criminal offences. It encompasses a wide range of
abuse, the most serious resulting in death. In Suffolk, domestic
abuse accounts for more than 25% of all violence crime. It is
most likely to involve a pattern of assaults and coercive
behaviours that can take a number of forms, such as physical
assault, sexual abuse, rape, threats and intimidation. It may
include pressure tactics, isolation, harassment, and control of
finance and/or activities. These patterns include a variety
of tactics carried out in multiple and sometimes daily
episodes.
Domestic abuse occurs across all society and can happen to anyone
at any age. Those who experience violence and abuse and those
who are violent and abusive come from all backgrounds, irrespective
of social class, income, and level of education, occupation,
sexuality, gender, age, ethnicity or race, physical or mental
ability.
Violence and abuse is present in the lives of many adults and older
people who may be particularly vulnerable because of their age,
frailty, physical or learning disability, mental health problems,
drug or alcohol related problems. Those in Black and Ethnic
Minority groups or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender
individuals may face additional perceived or actual difficulties in
seeking help.
Children within the family are also regarded not just as witnesses
but as victims. Domestic violence as a children’s issue is now
acknowledged as a widespread problem. In the most severe
cases children will be at risk of serious harm and will require the
highest level of multi-agency intervention to ensure their safety
and to support them effectively, but in all cases domestic
abuse seriously undermines a child’s or young persons ability to
achieve their full potential.
For those experiencing any level or type of
abuse the most important step is to seek help although there may
appear to be practical and emotional reasons that keep some-one in
an abusive relationship. In response in Suffolk we have developed a
range of services to support victims that promote safe choice while
acknowledging getting free from abuse for some people can be a long
process.