Domestic abuse is a crime and a major social problem affecting many families. In 90% of reported domestic abuse incidents, children have either been present in the same or a nearby room. This can have a dramatic effect on children now and in the future.
Domestic abuse is defined as ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality'. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim." This definition includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.’ (Home Office 2013).
Honour-based violence
Honour-based violence is a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community'. This definition is supported by further explanatory text: "Honour-based violence is a fundamental abuse of Human Rights. There is no honour in the commission of murder, rape, kidnap and the many other acts, behaviour and conduct which make up "violence in the name of so-called honour."
It is a collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour. Such violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking their honour code.
Women are predominantly (but not exclusively) the victims of 'so called honour-based violence', which is used to assert male power in order to control female autonomy and sexuality. Honour-based violence can be distinguished from other forms of violence, as it is often committed with some degree of approval and/or collusion from family and/or community members (ACPO & CPS, 2013).
Forced marriage
Forced marriage is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties where duress is a factor. Forced marriage is a violation of human rights and is contrary to UK law (HM Gov, 2000).
A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not (or in the case of some adults with learning or physical disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure. (HM Government 2008).
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
It has no health benefits and harms girls and women in many ways. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue and hence interferes with the natural function of girls’ and women’s bodies. The practice causes severe pain and has several immediate and long-term health consequences, including difficulties in childbirth also causing dangers to the child (HMGov 2014).
Get help
If you are affected by domestic abuse or know someone who is, you are not alone. Women’s Aid are here to support you 24/7 – you can call 01472 575757 or visit their website.
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