Affected by domestic abuse?
There are many forms of violence and abuse, which happen in the home, much of which is often hidden from the outside world and can go unreported for many reasons, usually due to a fear of possible reprisal that the victim of abuse is worried about, if they were to report their abuser
Abuse is not gender specific either despite the majority of cases, we often hear about being inflicted on women or children, men are also often abused by their female partners. For the year ending March 2019, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimated that 1.6 million women and 786,000 men aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse in the previous 12 months.
Abuse can take on many forms including: domestic violence; rape and sexual abuse; forced marriage; so-called ‘honour’-based violence; human trafficking and modern slavery; prostitution; and female genital mutilation (FGM) and other frightening behaviours. Covid lockdowns saw an increase in cases of domestic violence in the home, as abusers and their victims spent increased time together.
If you are concerned about your safety and you’re experiencing domestic abuse or you are worried someone you know might be, then it is important to understand that you are not alone and help is available.
No matter what your abuser may suggest, there is help available, you do not have to continue to suffer. Here are some helplines you might want to consider approaching:
Firstly, if you believe you are in danger, you should call your local emergency services i.e. 999/911 etc
Refuge – for women and children against domestic violence. UK National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 – Visit the website here
Respect – men’s advice helpline. Freephone 0808 8010327 – Visit their website here. There is also the ManKind Initiative which helps men escape domestic abuse, visit their website here.
Childline – children may also directly experience domestic abuse, as well as witnessing it happening to an adult in their home. Either way this can be traumatic, so, help and advice can be found via the Childline website or by phoning freephone 0800 1111.
Gov.UK website has advice on a range of issues relating to domestic abuse and how to get help. Check out the website here.
If you are a male experiencing domestic abuse by your partner, then we would also recommend you watch this TedX talk and hear Andrew Pain’s story – Andrew was abused by his female partner for many years before seeking help. He is now a regular speaker, as an expert by experience, talking about gaslighting, domestic abuse, parental alienation, safeguarding, gender bias and the family courts, and in his spare time, Andrew supports male victims of domestic abuse.
Have you been bereaved by losing someone as a result of domestic abuse? Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) are a Centre of Excellence for Reviews after Fatal Domestic Abuse and for Expert and Specialist Advocacy and Peer Support. By drawing on personal and professional experience of major criminal justice processes like Domestic Homicide Reviews, and other related inquiries, the AAFDA provide emotional, practical and specialist peer support to those left behind after fatal domestic homicide. To find out more and what support is available by visiting the AAFDA website here.