Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?  

West North West Homes define “domestic violence" as: 'any incident of threatening behaviour, violence and abuse (psychological, physical sexual, financial or emotional) between people who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Some common acts of domestic violence are:

Physical:- Punches, Slaps, Kicks, Shaking and Spitting

Psychological and Emotional:- Harassment, Threats, Humiliation and Isolation.                 

Sexual:- Rape and coerced sex, refusal to practice safe sex or use contraception.

Who does domestic violence happen to?

Domestic violence is experienced by people regardless of their class, social group, race, age, disability, sexuality or lifestyle.  Also, incidents of honour based violence among black and minority ethnic communities, are a form of domestic violence.  

In reality over 90% of domestic violence incidents are committed by men against women, although some occur in same sex relationships and by women against men.

Domestic violence is rarely a one off incident and can happen at any time during a relationship or even when a relationship has ended.   Violence usually forms a pattern as the perpetrator seeks to hold power over the victim by using violence and controlling behaviour.

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children:

Children can be caught up in domestic violence situations in a number of ways: 

• Children may witness violence, be forced to take part in the violence, or be directly abused themselves 
• Contact with children can be used by perpetrators after parental separation to coerce the victim into reconciliation or to cause further distress
• Living with violence and fear can create stress for children that can manifest itself in a variety of ways; such as poor health, slow development, loss of concentration, withdrawal, and disruptive behaviour.  Long term effects may include self blame, low confidence and self-esteem, vulnerability and social isolation
• Domestic violence affects older children in significant ways.  A major cause of teenage homelessness is domestic violence and many teenage girls experience violence in their own relationships with boys and men.