Keeping People Safe from Domestic Abuse

Community VISION is funded by and works with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to provide support to voluntary, community, social enterprise (VCSE) and faith sector groups and organisations in regard to tackling domestic abuse and supporting their beneficiaries to keep safe.

As the Lead Representative for VCSE in the East Riding, Community VISION can provide a range of support, including 1-1 discussions, information sessions, training, including the DAPS training for levels 1, 2, 3, connections to relevant services locally and nationally and partnership working, membership of the VCSE Domestic Abuse Forum, invitations to relevant events and workshops on the subject, representation at relevant strategic groups and ensuring your organisation and beneficiaries have a voice in shaping local services and strategies to tackle domestic abuse.

For more information or to request support in regard to domestic abuse for your VCSE or faith sector group/organisation, please contact Gemma Jennison, 01482 871 077, email: gemma.jennison@communityvision.org.uk.

What is meant by Domestic Abuse?

The UK government’s current definition of 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. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

psychological
physical
sexual
financial
emotional

Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.” *

This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Domestic Abuse: The National Context

Domestic abuse is one of the country’s, and regions, biggest and most complex priorities for us to deal with.

1 in every 4 women, and 1 in every 6 men, will be affected by domestic abuse at some point in their lives
1 in every 5 children have been exposed to domestic abuse (www.whag.info)
The social and economic cost for victims of domestic abuse in the year ending March 2017 was approximately 66 billion (www.gov.uk)

It is essential that within the East Riding and North Lincolnshire we do all we can to tackle domestic abuse. No single agency can do this alone, it requires a full multi-agency approach.

Other forms of Domestic Abuse

‘Gas lighting’ – A form of psychological manipulation in which the perpetrator makes his or her partner question and doubt their own perceptions, memory, judgement and sanity.

Stalking – Stalking is often characterized by the following behaviours:

One person is fixated on another
Regularly giving unwanted gifts
Unwanted communication
Damaging property
Following or ‘spying’ on someone
Threats

For more information and support in relation to stalking and harassment, please contact the National Stalking Helpline (08088020300), The Suzy Lamplugh Trust or Paladin, the National Stalking Advisory Service (020 3866 4107).

Visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website (external website)

Clare’s Law – The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

Find out more about the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme ‘Clare’s Law’ (external website)

Find out how to make a request under Clare’s Law (external website)

Where to get help

In the event of an emergency always seek response from emergency services immediately – Police, Ambulance, Fire Safety - 999

Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership (DVAP)

Adults Service
Children’s Service
Prevention

You can find out more and self-refer via the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s website.

All professional and client queries and referrals are made via the main DVAP telephone number 01482 396368

Access the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website (external website)