Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?

The Government defines domestic violence as "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality." This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called 'honour based violence', female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.

Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident, and should instead be seen as a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their victim. Domestic violence occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, and geography. The figures show, however, that it consists mainly of violence by men against women. Children are also affected. Not only are many traumatised by what they witness, there is also a strong connection between domestic violence, sexual violence and child abuse.

Some Facts:

• 2 women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner,  (Home Office, 2006)
• 45% of all female homicide victims were killed by a current or ex-partner (Home Office, 2006)
• Eighty percent of all victims of domestic violence were women in 2005/06 (Home Office, 2006)
• One in four women experience domestic violence over their lifetime.  (Council of Europe, 2002)
• Domestic violence costs to services in Leeds is in excess of £32 million (Leeds Inter-Agency Project, 2005)

Reporting Domestic Violence:

If you are in immediate danger then contact the Police on 999.

If you want to talk to someone in confidence for support, information or an emergency referral to temporary accommodation, contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (free 24 hour service).

Women experiencing violence and abuse can speak in confidence to a woman at: