Domestic Violence
 What is Domestic Violence?
Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) defines Domestic Violence as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults, aged 18 and over, who are or who have been intimate partners* or family members*, regardless of gender and sexuality'
*Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents whether directly related, in-laws or step-family.
*Intimate partners will apply to those in a heterosexual relationship whether married or not and also those in a lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender relationships.
Is it a crime?
Domestic Violence is a serious crime, which is not acceptable. Hertfordshire Constabulary, in partnership with other agencies, is working to encourage greater reporting of domestic violence and to improve the quality of service provided to victims in order for them to get the right help and support. They are also aiming to reduce repeat victimisation and to encourage the safety and well being of victims and children involved in domestic violence.
Who is affected by Domestic Violence?
A quarter of all violent crime reported to the police is Domestic Violence.
However, there is still a large amount of this type of crime that is not reported to the police. Although the vast majority of victims are women, many people living within gay and lesbian relationships, elderly people, men and children may also suffer domestic violence.
Domestic violence occurs regardless of the victim’s class, sex, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, level of intelligence or lifestyle. It is rarely a one-off event. Physical and sexual abuse tends to increase in frequency and severity over time, sometimes only ending when one person actually kills the other. Other forms of abusive or controlling behaviour may be ongoing. Domestic violence can affect as many as one in four women in their lifetime and a violent partner or ex-partner kills one woman every three days. (Home Office Circular 19/2000).
 Where can I get help?
There are specially trainedDomestic
Violence Officers ready to help and support you. They can advise you on many issues including legal matters,
court procedures, assistance with civil applications, practical help, what to do in an emergency etc.
For further information on domestic violence, including contact numbers for DV Officers, Women’s Aid, Victim Support and the Samaritans, please go to http://www.herts.police.uk/report/domesticviolence.htm
The Hertfordshire Domestic Violence / Abuse line
a free phone Information line open Monday – Friday 10.00am to 8.00pm
Tel: 08088 088 088
( Not on Bank Holidays )
Hertfordshire Domestic Violence helpline, PO Box 306 County Hall, Hertford SG13 9EN
Further help?
Women's Aid is the key national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. It supports a network of over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the UK.
The Women’s Aid website can be accessed at www.womensaid.org.uk
Non Molestation Orders and Injunctions
The National Centre for Domestic Violence specialises in helping victims of domestic violence obtain non-molestation and other orders (injunctions) from court to protect them from further abuse. Meeting with solicitors and proceeding through the Court system can be a daunting prospect for anybody but help is available through NCDV. The service is free and available to everybody, regardless of age, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. For more information please visit the NCDV website at www.ncdv.org.uk
FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS LAUNCHED
Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence
Broken Rainbow offers support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence. It was
started in 2002 and became a registered charity in 2004.
The objective is to relieve the distress and suffering caused to
lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people by domestic
violence and abuse, in by doing the following:
- raising awareness in the LGBT community and elsewhere of the
impact of homophobic, transphobic and same sex domestic violence on
the lives of LGBT people
- offering advice, support and referral services to LGBT people
experiencing homophobic, transphobic and same sex domestic violence offering information, advice and training to people who are
responsible for domestic violence policy and practice in mainstream
and specialist organisations, or who are otherwise involved with the
survivors and perpetrators of those suffering from domestic violence,
with a view to increasing the physical safety and mental well-being of
LGBT people who experience such violence or abuse.
You can access the website via the address: www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
The posters on this page are available in Arabic, Chinese, Bengali, Gujarati, Urdu, Italian and Turkish. If you would like to obtain copies please contact Sandra Lewin, County Community Safety Officer, at Herts Police on 01707 638074. |
