How common is domestic abuse?
Instances of domestic abuse are more common than many people realise, particularly as abusers and victims are often skilled at hiding the abuse that takes place behind closed doors. According to Women’s Aid, national research shows that domestic abuse affects one in four women at some point in their lives and, on average, two women a week are killed nationally by a violent partner or ex-partner. Men can also be victims of domestic abuse (although this is less research available on the full extent of this). A number of published studies suggest that domestic abuse occurs at a similar rate in both mixed and same sex relationships.
In June 2010 alone, there were 841 instances of domestic abuse recorded in North Yorkshire and York . Repeat victimisation is extremely common. For example in June 2010 16% of reported cases in York and North Yorkshire were repeat incidents. Domestic abuse is an underreported crime, with research suggesting that women usually experience an average of 35 incidents before reporting it to the police (Yearnshaw, 1997).
Who is most likely to be affected by domestic abuse?
According to police reports and research, domestic abuse is most commonly experienced by women, although men can also be victims of abuse. Domestic abuse can affect women of any race, religion, class or background/lifestyle, although women under the age of 30, pregnant women and those living in poverty are typically more at risk. Domestic abuse can occur at any point in a relationship; it might not start for several months or years. 30% of abuse begins or escalates during pregnancy.
The majority of abusers are men. They may come from any background, ethnic group, class, neighbourhood, religion or age group. Domestic abuse is about misuse of power to gain control over another person, and is not ‘caused’ by stress, illness, drug or alcohol abuse (although these factors can occur alongside instances of abuse). Domestic abuse can occur in any personal or family relationship including straight, gay and transgender relationships.
Other family members, including children, will also be affected, either directly or indirectly. For example, figures for North Yorkshire and York show that children were present for 17% of the total number of incidents of domestic abuse in June 2010.
Honour-based violence may be an issue of particular relevance to black and minority ethnic communities (BME). This can involve forced or early marriage, honour based domestic violence and honour killings. For more information on honour based violence in the UK please see Section 9, LSCB Procedures.
North Yorkshire ’s Community Cohesion Team can also offer advice and support to practitioners on prevention and understanding of this form of abuse. Please contact your local community cohesion worker in the first instance.
What do I do if I encounter or suspect domestic abuse?
If you, or someone you know, is affected by Domestic Abuse, confidential information is available from the following helpline: National 24 Domestic Violence Hour Helpline: 0808 2000 247 If you are worried about any child please refer to Section 5, LSCB Procedures.
North Yorkshire Customer Service Centre: 0845 034 9410 | Email: cru.customer.services@northyorks.gov.uk
Emergency Duty Team (for evenings, weekends and bank holidays): 0845 034 9417
Police: 0845 60 60 247
How does Domestic Abuse affect Children and Young People?
“Sometimes I couldn’t concentrate at school because I was just thinking about it” “Very upset. I couldn’t sleep thinking about him attacking her again really bad” “I didn’t want to talk to anyone bout it” “It was quite frightening because I didn’t know what my Dad was going to do, when I realised what he was doing to my Mum I felt really afraid” Voices of Local Children Figures for North Yorkshire and York show that children were present for 17% of the total reported incidents of domestic abuse for June 2010.
Domestic Abuse can have a devastating impact on children and young people, affecting their health, well being and development, as well as their educational achievement and the ability of their parents and carers to look after them.
Some of the signs a child or young person is witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse may include:
- Bedwetting
- Anxiety and depression
- Nightmares, insomnia and flashbacks
- Physical symptoms such as stomach aches
- Anger and temper problems
- Low self worth and insecurity
- Problems at school and truancy
- Substance or alcohol misuse
- Eating disorders
- Self harm
- Mental health difficulties in later life
It is important to note that children experiencing domestic abuse do not necessarily go on to become abusers or victims themselves.
More detailed guidance can be downloaded from the Practice Guidance. Domestic Abuse has many forms and it’s effects need to be considered on a case by case basis. It is also important to remember that whilst some children or young people may appear resilient to the trauma of exposure to domestic abuse these children will also need to be provided with a service. It is important to understand that financial abuse, as a form of domestic abuse, can have serious and long term effects on the women and children experiencing it. Women and children can become trapped in a cycle of poverty; they can experience physical and psychological ill health, isolation and a feeling that they can’t escape from the abusive relationship. This does not mean that domestic abuse only happens in families were there is poverty (although poverty is a risk factor), it means that financial abuse can be used as a form of control by perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Children and young people affected by domestic abuse often hide it and find it difficult to tell others. This can occur for a number of reasons, including wish to protect the victim and abuser, fear that a disclosure might trigger further abuse and violence, and fear of being taken into care, losing their home, school and friends.
What is a MARAC?
A MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) is a meeting where agencies come together to share information to help increase the safety, health and wellbeing of high risk victims of Domestic Abuse and their families.
MARAC meetings combine up to date risk assessment information with assessment of the victim’s needs and links this to the most appropriate services for all those directly involved in domestic abuse, including children and young people, wider family members and the perpetrator. The MARAC will give you a fuller picture of what is going on at home for the children and a voice for your concerns. An agreed agency representative will bring the information on behalf of the victim.
Child Protection procedures and MARAC arrangements remain independent of each other whilst allowing for timely and coordinated assessment or risk and decision making. This means that a MARAC is not a referral to Children’s Social Care.
If you identify a case that you consider high risk contact you must first discuss it with your manager or trained MARAC lead within your school or agency. Consent is not required for a MARAC referral, although it is considered best practice to gain consent where it is safe to do so. Further information is available in Section 12, LSCB Procedures.
What is the CAADA DASH Risk Assessment?
The CAADA DASH Risk Assessment has been developed nationally by CAADA in partnership with the Association of Chief Police Officers, Women’s Aid, CAFCASS and Respect. It aims:
- To help front line practitioners identify high risk cases of domestic abuse, stalking and “honour based violence”
- To decide which cases should be referred to MARAC and what other support might be required. A completed form becomes an active record that can be referred to in future case management
- To offer a common tool to agencies that are part of the MARAC process and provide a shared understanding of risk in relation to domestic abuse, stalking, and honour based violence
- To enable agencies to make defensible decisions based on the evidence from extensive research of cases, including domestic homicides and near misses, which underpins most recognised models of risk assessment
Practitioners experienced in domestic abuse risk assessments can help with the completion of the MARAC risk assessment and referral forms. Otherwise please contact your Local Domestic Abuse Coordinator.
What training is available on Domestic Abuse?
It is widely recognised that everyone working with children and young people should have a basic understanding of the definition of and the effects of domestic abuse as well as their responsibilities to safeguard children and young people. A training package is provided by IDAS focusing specifically on domestic abuse. This is aimed at individuals in organisations and voluntary groups who work with adults and children or young people, to give a basic awareness of issues surrounding domestic abuse:
Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) Basic Domestic Abuse Awareness On-line Training
You Local Domestic Abuse Coordinator will also be able to provide information on a range of courses offered by other providers, including:
- Domestic Abuse Basic Awareness Course
- Domestic Abuse Intermediate Course
- MARAC Workshops
- Safety planning training
Contact IDAS - www.idas.org.uk - or ring for advice and information 01904 646 630.
What Local Services are available?
Due to the complex nature of domestic abuse many agencies have a role to play in supporting anyone affected by domestic abuse and promoting the safety of children affected by domestic abuse. Children, young people and their families experiencing domestic abuse need well targeted support from a range of different agencies. Intervention should consist of a planned package of support incorporating risk assessment, domestic violence support delivered by trained staff, advocacy and safety planning in conjunction with child protection.
What is a safety plan?
A safety plan is a semi-structured way to think about steps that can be taken to reduce risk before, during and after any violent or abusive incidents. It is important to stress that although a safety plan can reduce the risks of violence it cannot completely guarantee safety but is a way of helping victims to protect themselves. It can help them plan in advance for the possibility of future violence and abuse.
Safety Planning for victims of domestic abuse is key to all interventions to safeguard Adults, children and young people in domestic abuse situations. All immediate and subsequent assessments of risk should include a judgement on the family’s existing safety planning. Professionals should only attempt to agree detailed safety planning if they have been trained to do so and are supported by their agency’s policies, procedures and safeguarding supervisory arrangements.
Guidance on how to undertake safety planning is contained in the Practice Guidance.
Where can I find out more information about young people who experience domestic abuse in their own relationships?
Whilst it affects people of all ages, young people aged 16-24 are at the highest risk of experiencing domestic abuse.
Young women aged 16-19 are at particular risk of experiencing sexual violence, including being pressured into having sex. It is essential that those who work with young people understand that young people can experience violence in their relationships. Young people must be well-educated at an early age, both to enable them to recognise the early signs of domestic abuse, and to ensure unacceptable attitudes and behaviours are challenged before they become embedded. This is an important aspect of work with young people who harm others, many of whom may not identify their own behaviour as abusive. Contact your Local Domestic Abuse Coordinator for information on current training in schools and colleges and local teenage violence programmes.
Designed and developed by 
