A domestic violence incident occurs every 20 seconds (British Crime Survey 2000). Sometimes a family can join together in abusing a victim, or sometimes a victim can be subject to violence by different family members. Sometimes an older child can take on the role of the abuser and physically hurt the parent who is the victim.
While most domestic violence is directed by men against women, it occurs in lesbian and gay relationships, and in a minority of cases, by women against men. At least one in four women will experience domestic violence during their lifetime regardless of ethnic origin or socio-economic background.
In July 2008 a free legal advice centre was launched in Welwyn Hatfield for victims of domestic abuse, in collaboration with the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) and solicitors.
The 24-hour service will specialise in helping people to obtain injunctions from the Court to protect them from any further abuse. Victims will be able to get directly in touch with a solicitor who can help provide advice and support on a range of legal services. Click here to see the Welwyn Hatfield Times report on this new initiative.
Domestic violence is often hidden, but the statistics are horrifying. It is said that on average a woman does not seek help until the 34th incident. Domestic violence is not confined to any sector of society. 45% of women and 26% of men have experienced at least one incident of inter-personal violence in their lifetimes (Walby and Allen, 2004). On average, two women each week are killed by a male partner or former partner.
Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) that is perpetrated by one person against another, usually in an intimate relationship or family setting. Abuse includes behaviours where there is a misuse of power and control.
Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident, and should instead be seen as a pattern of abuse and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over the victim.
You can find more information about Domestic Violence on the council's website, which includes some very useful links to agencies who can provide advice, help and support.
