Domestic violence

Domestic violence is patterned, repeated behaviour intended to assert power and control, by a partner, ex-partner or family member.

Examples of domestic abuse

• 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 abuse
• sexual abuse
• financial abuse
• harassment
• stalking
• online or digital abuse
• forced marriage
• female genital mutilation
• ‘honour crimes’

• Both women and men can be victims of domestic violence – both in heterosexual and gay relationships.
• Women are more likely than men to experience multiple incidents of abuse, different types of domestic abuse (intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking) and in particular sexual violence.
• Of those who experience four or more incidents of domestic violence, 89% are women.
• Anyone can experience domestic abuse regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, sexuality, class, or disability, but some women who experience other forms of oppression and discrimination may face further barriers to disclosing abuse and finding help.
• Four times as many women as men are killed by a current or former partner. Two women a week are killed as a result of domestic violence in England and Wales.

• A friend or family member. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
• Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership brings together key agencies across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with the aim of reducing the harm, risks and costs associated with domestic abuse and sexual violence and to prevent these crimes occurring across Cambridgeshire
• Galop is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people affected by sexual violence.
• Karma Nirvana provide support for all victims of ‘honour’ based domestic violence and forced marriage.
• Mankind Initiative is a confidential helpline available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same sex partner).
• Men’s Advice line is a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members) who help by: giving you time to tell your story; offering emotional support; providing practical advice; and signposting you to other services for specialist help.
• National Domestic violence helpline is a Freephone 24 hour helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge. It is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, as well as for family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
• Nightline is a listening support and information service run by students for Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin students (Cambridge and Chelmsford) during Cambridge University full term.
• The Police. There are a variety of ways that you can contact your police force and they encourage you to do so to help them tackle hate crime in your area:
  • Cambridgeshire Police or you can report what happened via a Hate Crime reporting centre.
  • Essex Police or you can report what happened via a hate crime reporting centre.
• Refuge offer a number of services for victims of domestic violence across the country.
• The Revenge Porn Helpline offers practical assistance in reporting and removing content online, as well as non-judgemental, emotional support.
• Safer Places is an independent charity which provides a comprehensive range of services to adults and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse who live in west Essex, mid Essex, east Hertfordshire and Southend
• Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like in your own way, about whatever is on your mind (lines open 24/7).
• Victim Support provide emotional and practical support to both men and women who experience sexual violence. Their services are confidential, free and available regardless of whether you have told the police or anyone else about the incident; or whether the assault was recent or not.
• Women’s Aid is a national charity for women and children working to end domestic abuse.