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Domestic Violence

Journalist briefing, May 2007

Definition:


Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviour which is characterised by the exercise of control and the misuse of power by one person over another, usually within the context of a current or former intimate relationship.

Domestic violence occurs across all races, classes, nationalities, religions, cultures, ages and physical and mental abilities. It is usually perpetrated by men against women, although men can experience it too. It also happens in same sex relationships. Children and young people are often the forgotten victims of domestic violence. Witnessing violence between the adults that care for them is very damaging to children and can have long term effects. They may also suffer direct physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

Key Points:

  • There is 'a strong overlap between physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children and domestic violence, and high proportions of those experiencing abuse from parents also experienced frequent violence between carers. The findings demonstrate the importance of identifying and addressing domestic violence as a predictor of child maltreatment.'
    (Cawson, 2002, Child Maltreatment in the Family, NSPCC p.78)
  • Domestic violence can affect children in a number of ways including:

- Nervousness, anxiety and depression
- A lowered sense of self-worth
- Sleeping problems
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Physical symptoms of stress/nerves such as stomach aches
- Bed wetting
- Behaving as though they are much younger - needy
- Temper tantrums
- Acting outwards or inwards - aggression or internalising their distress and withdrawing from others
- Problems at school
- Older children truanting, using alcohol/drugs
- Self-harming including overdoses, cutting, eating disorders
- Children living in violent homes often do not speak out as they feel ashamed, frightened and powerless and do  not know what to do
- Children also often avoid expressing their distress for fear of upsetting their mother
- Children often try to intervene to protect the adult victim, which puts them in a dangerous situation

  • Statistics show that women are more likely than men to experience domestic violence. However, domestic violence can be committed by anybody and can happen to anybody and it is important for everyone to understand it is unacceptable.

Statistics:

  • 23% of women and 15% of men aged 16 to 59 said they have been physically assaulted by a current or former partner at some time in their lives. (Mirrlees-Black, 1999, Domestic Violence: Findings from a new British Crime Survey self-completion questionnaire)
  • At least 12% of women and 5% of men have been assaulted on three or more occasions. Of victims who had children in the household, about a third (29%) said the children had been aware of the last assault they had experienced. (Mirrlees-Black, 1999, Domestic Violence: Findings from a new British Crime Survey self-completion questionnaire)
  • Domestic violence accounts for almost a quarter (23%) of all violent crime (Kershaw et al, 2000, British Crime Survey 2000 England and Wales, Home Office Statistical Bulletin 1)
  • Over a quarter (26%) of young adults reported that physical violence sometimes took place between those caring for them during childhood. For 5% this violence was constant or frequent. (Cawson, 2002, Child Maltreatment in the Family, NSPCC p37)
  • Eight of ten young people who said that they had suffered serious physical abuse during their childhoods had also experienced domestic violence between their parents or carers. (Cawson, 2002, Child Maltreatment in the Family, NSPCC)
  • Almost nine out of ten young people who said they had been neglected also reported some domestic violence (Cawson, 2002, Child Maltreatment in the Family, NSPCC)