Domestic abuse
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
How common is it?
- 1 in 4 women will be affected by domestic abuse in their adult lifetime
- 2 women are killed each week by their partner or ex-partner
- 51% of victims attending hospital have children at home
- On average, 35 incidents of domestic abuse will have been experienced before a victim gets effective help.
Domestic abuse is not just about violence, it can involve many different types of behaviour and ill treatment:
- Coercive control
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Economic abuse
- Forced marriage
- Honour based abuse
Domestic abuse and children
Some of the biggest victims of domestic abuse are the smallest.
If you have children, or have children living in your home, they will be affected by the domestic abuse that is happening. Even though you may be doing your very best to protect them, children who live with abuse can feel very frightened and upset.
Children may get caught up in the middle of an assault and get hurt, or may see you being hurt and not know what to do. You may think that if children don’t see or hear the abuse they won’t be affected, but they will be and will be upset to see the effects of the abuse on you.
If there are children in your home it is important that you get help to protect them and you. Children want you to be safe.
If you're in immediate danger always call the police, and always dial 999 if it is an emergency and press 55 if you can’t talk (only on mobile phones). They have a duty to protect and help you
How can I access help?
It’s important that you speak to a member of staff or get support from a trusted organisation. They will be able to help you or point you in the right direction.
Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership: 0800 0527222
Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service: 0800 915 1561
Useful information leaflets:
Domestic Abuse Leaflet - kirklees.pdf [pdf]
Keep it sweet poster.pdf [pdf]
Keep it sweet-leaflet.pdf [pdf]
Karma Nirvana Leaflet.pdf [pdf]
Useful links:
www.wakefield.gov.uk/keepitsweet
www.rosalieryriefoundation.org.uk