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 trained Domestic 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

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS LAUNCHED

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.