Domestic Violence/Abuse Basic Awareness

Tina Royles2002

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

MY EXPERIENCE

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

HUMAN RIGHTS

THE FACTS

POLICE INTERVENTION

WHY SHOULD WE INTERVENE

SELF ESTEEM VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

REASONS WHY VICTIMS STAY

WHY DO SOME VICTIMS LEAVE

WHY DO SOME VICTIMS GO BACK

Tina Royles2002

GOING TO THE POLICE

BODY LANGUAGE

COURT

EMOTIONAL REACTION TO VIOLENCE

ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

VICTIMS RIGHTS

SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS

ISSUES FACING POLICE

OTHER GROUPS

THE WAY FORWARD

AGENCIES AVAILABLE

Tina Royles2002

INTRODUCTION

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT A PRIVATE ISSUE, BUT ONE OF PUBLIC CONCERN

In dealing with this emotive area, the need to treat these incidents as seriously as any other form of violent crime is coupled with the duty to assist vulnerable victims & protect them from further attack. There is still a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about domestic violence What it is? Who suffers it? Who commits it? And why? Violence or abuse suffered by women (and men); which may happen in their home or elsewhere, which is carried out by their partner, ex partner or anyone they are or have been living with is known as domestic violence. Victims/survivors are usually women but this is not always the case. Men and children are victims too. Victims/survivors experience domestic violence regardless of their social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality and lifestyle.

Domestic violence has no boundaries.

Tina Royles2002

MY EXPERIENCE

I served as a police officer with Essex Police for sixteen years between 1990 and 2006; I spent several years as a domestic violence officer. I have also implemented numerous initiatives in relation to domestic violence. I have also been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to attend a number of seminars, conferences and training courses on domestic violence. The most beneficial for me I would say were the following certificated training courses: The Bram shill `Centrex` course for Domestic Violence Agencies and Managers Reducing the Risk, and also The Domestic Violence CoOrdinaters Course run by Yorkshire Police. I also have a diploma in Domestic Violence Studies. During my service with Essex Police I was also trained as a: Sexual Offences Officer; dealing with serious offences of a sexual nature. Family Liaison Officer; being assigned to families or key witnesses in the aftermath of serious incidents. Grievance Advisor; advising on internal issues, complaints or allegations that employees within the organization had. From 2006 until 2008, I was employed by a Local Authority in the role of Domestic Violence Coordinator; dealing with issues of domestic violence on both a Strategic and also an implementation level. I was instrumental in ensuring that they successfully met Government Targets. From 2008 until 2010 I managed a Domestic Violence Perpetrators Programme.

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I have also implemented other key initiatives that have led to an improved service and awareness for both victims and their children, and also for key professionals working within the field of domestic violence. I am a qualified counsellor and have also completed a Person Centred Counselling Course and the University of Hull Advanced Diploma in Couples Counselling. I am also qualified in `Anger Management`, `Domestic Violence` and `Stress Management `. I also write and deliver training on: Domestic Violence Safeguarding Children Elder Abuse Homophobic Abuse Diversity On a personal level; I was a previous victim of domestic violence for eight years; which I believe has given me a greater insight and has enabled me to engage with those involved more effectively. I am also a Director at Selyor Ltd where my primary focus is on: Selyor Therapy Centre; which is a private therapy practice dealing with emotional and physical wellbeing. www.selyortherapycentre.com

Tina Royles Dip.Ang.M.Consult, Dip.D.V.Studies, Dip.Stress.M.Consult Director Selyor Ltd

Tina Royles2002

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic Violence is the persistent and intentional abuse of any kind, whether physical, sexual or mental. It can take many forms, from verbal threats or the occasional slap, to beating, torture, rape and life threatening physical attacks. Victims/survivors can suffer broken bones, scalding, terrible wounds, miscarriage, even death. Verbal abuse is not the odd shouting match or battle of wills that most couples engage in: It is a continual process of mental and emotional manipulation by the abuser. The emotional scars on the victim/survivor of this type of abuse may take years to heal - if at all! It is not easy for the victim/survivor to accept that someone they love and have trusted can behave so aggressively towards them. The Governments definition is: 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.

Tina Royles2002

THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT

One of the most fundamental provisions in the Human Rights Convention is Article 2: This states that everyone has a right to life It also places on the `state` a positive duty to protect life. THE FACTS Domestic violence is likely to become more serious and more frequent the longer it is allowed to continue. Victims/survivors of domestic violence have often been abused over a long period of time before they call Police, though they may not reveal this fact on Police attendance. Research shows that on average women have been assaulted 33 times before first calling the Police. Domestic Violence is a serious crime which is not acceptable and should be treated as seriously as any other such crime. A quarter of all reported violent crimes are domestic violence incidents. Not all incidents of domestic violence are crimeable, but domestic violence accounts for the majority of calls that Shift Officers are called out to during their Shift. However there is still a large amount of under reporting of this type of crime to Police.

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Many people having contacted the Police, then state that they do not wish the Police to take any formal proceedings. This can relate to concerns about:

Fact that they may lose their partner

Possibility/likelihood that they may be subjected to more abuse Home

Possessions

Threat of Destruction of Pets Children

Family

Financial stability

Forced Marriage

Support from extended families

Fear of being `OUTED` if Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered

Abuse from extended family

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Because they cannot explain their partners behaviour, many victims/survivors assume that they are to blame. Victims experiencing domestic violence tend to play down rather than exaggerate the violence For some the decision to seek help, to leave the abuser, or get the abuser to leave, is quickly and easily made. For many, the decision will be long and painful as they try to make the relationship work and stop the violence.

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POLICE INTERVENTION

Police Officers need to understand the complex issues surrounding domestic violence, and the dilemmas faced. However it should not detract them from their role which is: To ensure the safety of the victim/survivor & any children To hold the offender accountable when there is evidence of a crime When Police Officers attend the scene, they are often confronted with a victim/survivor in a very distressed state. It is important that they do not act as conciliators. On many occasions, the victim/survivor has called the Police not to take the matter to Court but to make the violence stop. It may be inappropriate to ask the victim/survivor at this point whether they wish to take the matter to Court. The Police should not solely focus on the victim/survivor, but on the full investigation. The first Officer at the scene should secure and obtain as much evidence as possible in order that charges could be preferred at a later stage. The initial investigation should include the following: Officers should ensure that they speak to each party separately

The victim/survivor should be spoken to in a place where the alleged offender cannot overhear as the victim/survivor may not feel able to talk freely, if at all.

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If any unsolicited comments are made by the offender, a note should be made of the comments and offered to him/her for signature. If a Scenes of Crime Officer is not immediately available, It may be prudent to take some instant photographs of any injuries and of the scene (e.g. if there has been damage caused). Most Stations have Polaroid Cameras/ Digital Cameras to be used for domestic violence incidents. These photographs should not replace the Scenes of Crime Officers photos and efforts should be made to re photograph the victim a couple of days later by Scenes of Crime, when the injuries are more apparent. Police Officers should ensure that all the available evidence is collated in order that an informed decision can be made as to whether a prosecution should be made.But it is not the Police Officers decision to pursue matters but the Crown Prosecution Service therefore as much evidence as possible should be obtained. Polaroid pictures are extremely beneficial especially when submitting pilot files, advice files and when interviewing the offender The arrest of an alleged offender may act as a powerful deterrent against their re-offending, at least for some time. More importantly, it shows the victim/survivor that they are entitled to, and will receive; support and protection, as well as sending a clear message to the alleged offender that such behaviour will not be tolerated. When an offence has occurred where a power of arrest exists, the alleged offender should be arrested. Most Police Forces now operate Positive Arrest Policy in relation to Domestic Violence. Also Home Office and ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) Guidelines dictate that this should be the case.

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An Officer should be prepared to justify a decision not to arrest - when an offence has been disclosed. A record should be made by the Officer attending the scene explaining why they did not arrest the suspect if a power of arrest exists. In some Police forces the Officer must complete a report if an arrest is not made outlining the circumstances and reasons. This is then forwarded to the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer/Domestic Violence Unit. If the action is not justifiable then the report is forwarded to the Crime Manager/Detective in Charge of Investigations for action. If it is not possible to secure the safety of victims/survivors in their home, consideration should be given to removing them to a place of safety with their consent (e.g. a Refuge or Relatives) It may be appropriate to take the victim/survivor to a neutral place to take a statement and the Police `Sympathy Suite` should be considered. Obtaining a full Statement from the victim/survivor. The statement should include details of the family composition, the history of the relationship and any other previous incidents, the actual incident, the victim/survivors injuries (Physical & Emotional) Whether a weapon was used, whether any threats have been made since the attack. Whether any children were present and, if so, the effect on them and the victims views of the future of the relationship. Whether they are willing to attend Court & give evidence, and that they understand that the case may be proceeded with even if they make a negative statement. Whether or not they give consent in order for details of their medical records to be obtained. Obtaining copy of the emergency services (999) tape. Speaking to the neighbours.
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Speaking with any other potential witnesses. Consider liaison with the Child Protection Unit regarding the video interviewing of any of the children who may have witnessed the incident. Police Officers providing comprehensive statement including the composure of the victim/survivor, detailing any injuries, condition of the house, & any comments made by the alleged offender or the victim/survivor. Making use of all call recording, intelligence, crime recording systems and Domestic Violence Liaison Officers records to establish if this is a repeat incident. Liaise directly with the Child Protection Unit to check if children are on Child Protection register. Consider Police Protection Orders. Any concerns regarding the children should be highlighted on the domestic violence incident report (copies of the domestic violence incident report are forwarded to Social Services Child Protection Teams & also Health Authority Child Protection Teams when children are involved). Liaise with Domestic Violence Liaison Officers for support agencies details/ referrals to agencies. IF URGENT - Officers should: Consider the use of a Panic Alarm Consider the Womens Refuge or similar place of safety Consider the use of Victim Support Schemes. If a statement has been obtained but there is reluctance from the victim/survivor to give evidence, there is legislation available to introduce the victim/survivors evidence without the need for the victim/survivor to appear in Court. Also Section 80 of the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 provides that a wife or husband accused is compellable to give evidence for the prosecution if:
Tina Royles2002

The offence charged involves an assault on or injury (or threat of injury) to the wife or husband of the accused. Equally, unmarried partners may be required to give evidence under Section 97 of the Magistrates Court Act 1980. Again it is the decision of the Police, not the victim/survivor to charge a suspect (Remember the Human Rights Act states that authorities have a positive duty to protect life) it is also the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to continue with a case not the victim/survivor and not the Police.

Tina Royles2002

WHY SHOULD WE INTERVENE

Domestic Violence is such a complex issue; there is no one reason why it happens: There may be aggravating factors such as alcohol, drugs, financial worries, work pressures, arguments over children & everyday stresses & strains. But again these are generally only aggravating factors. Because we cannot say why domestic violence happens, it is therefore difficult to stop, which is why I do not think that we will ever stop the first incident of domestic violence from occurring. What we need to do is to try to work together to stop the number of repeat incidents involving the same people. We could do this by all agencies/ community groups dealing with it positively, & to treat it seriously when faced with it. Not everyone who has a drink goes & assaults their partner. Not everyone who has pressure at work or financial worries goes & assaults their partner.

THESE ARE GENERALLY JUST EXCUSES.

Tina Royles2002

SELF ESTEEM Self esteem plays a very important part in the issues of domestic violence, how people think & feel can affect the possible way in which they react to the circumstances that they find themselves involved in.

EXAMPLE When you are at work and your boss comes in to see you and tells you that they are really pleased with the work you have done recently, and that you are a credit to the company How would that make you feel? ANSWER You would be feeling really proud of yourself, you would be happy that your work has been noticed, you will feel valued and respected, it will improve your enthusiasm and your confidence.

EXAMPLE How would you feel if you are at work and your boss comes in to see you, they tell you that you are under performing, that your work has suddenly become shoddy, your colleagues have told them that you dont appear to be making an effort, and that you are not taking pride in your appearance anymore How would that make you feel? ANSWER You would feel rejected, you would feel undervalued, you would feel hurt, your self confidence would plummet, you would feel let down by your friends that you thought you could trust, it might make you uncomfortable in that environment in the future.

Tina Royles2002

VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Now think of the victim/survivor of domestic violence who is told not once but constantly by the person that they love that: She/he is useless That she/he cannot do anything right She/he has nothing important to say That if their partner didnt want them no one else would want them That they look plain, they dont dress nice anymore, that they have put weight on and are fat That they are a bad parent

Think for a minute. If you were in that persons shoes How would that make you feel? Your self esteem would be affected; your confidence would hit rock bottom, and then you would after time start to believe that what your partner is saying is true You would question your ability in every area You would become withdrawn and you would start to feel worthless You would become vulnerable.

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REASONS WHY VICTIMS STAY Sometimes its because the violence and the arguments dont happen all of the time, and when it isnt happening things between them might be good, and that ultimately they love their partner. Sometimes it is because of the fear of the unknown, that they are scared to leave, where will they go, how they will manage. There may be financial reasons to stay; they may have a nice house, a nice circle of joint friends. Do they really want to lose that?

They may stay through fear that no one will believe them That if they have children - What affect will it have on the children taking them away from their father/mother.In the victim/survivors eyes the offender has never hit the children.

WHY DO SOME VICTIMS LEAVE

Because they have had enough of the abuse Because they are scared that next time the injuries could be worse or even fatal Because of the effect that its having on the children They want to get on and have a better life They have help and support from friends, family & other agencies.

Tina Royles2002

WHY DO SOME VICTIMS GO BACK

Why do some women (or men) once they have found the courage to leave, and then go back?

Because they love their partner

Because they think that they can help their partner

Because there is nowhere for them to go

They may be offered a Refuge space - but they might not be used to that environment so therefore go back home

As their self esteem and confidence is low, they may find that they cannot cope on their own; due to the power and control over them by their partner, they have learnt to become dependent on their partner and may feel isolated and lost without them

Due to the children missing the offender

Due to pressures from family and friends

Through lack of help and support from some agencies

From not being believed.

Tina Royles2002

GOING TO THE POLICE There are some professions that will always have an effect on some people For example: when a person who is normally confident, knows what they want, and have the ability to put their point across is faced with meeting their Bank Manager - Why then do they become a jittering wreck? Why for example - if a law abiding member of the public is stopped by the police, when they get back into their car - Why does he or she stick their car into reverse and drive towards the Police car parked behind them - rather than stick it into first gear, and drive forward. Why after being stopped do they then pull out in front of oncoming traffic rather than look first? Why do some people when dealing with their childs teacher suddenly become overwhelmed and unable to hold a sensible discussion? Why - Because all of us can feel intimidated by what we have learnt over the years. With this in mind: Put yourself in the place of the victim/survivor Who may have been assaulted numerous times (The statistics state 33 previous times) Who finds the courage and is brave enough to walk into the Police Station or phones the Police for help Bearing in mind that their self esteem is low, that they have been used to being criticised. That they have been told by their partner that no one will believe them - especially the authorities - it might be the first time that they are seeking help Think how frightened and scared they must be feeling

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BODY LANGUAGE They have been used to their partners body language i.e. mocking them, criticising them, and not respecting them They will pick up on the Officers behaviour and body language. Does the Officer believe the victim /survivor- This will be important to them The victim/survivor provides a statement to Police; they are reliving what has happened to them The victim/survivor is used to playing down the violence in their mind in order for them to deal with it and carry on. Therefore they will be used to minimising the importance of the situation - this may come across when giving details To the Officer the victim/survivor may not appear as scared as they would expect/presume. But this is because the victim/survivor has got used to it. It may be that the victim/survivor has switched off their emotions in order to carry on. After the offender gets arrested he/she may be given bail conditions to stay away. Does the offender listen & stay away Or does the offender contact the victim/survivor and get them to change their mind, promising the victim/survivor that they have learnt their lesson, that they will get help, if the victim/survivor continues with the complaint it will split them up, and the victim/survivor may lose everything, that they can sort things out themselves, that they shouldnt be having other people poke their nose into their affairs The offender will have control over the victim/survivor - Physically, Emotionally & Mentally Will the victim/survivor drop the complaint or will they tell Police that the offender has broken their conditions - it will take the victim /survivor a lot of courage to do this

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COURT

If it gets to Court what will happen? Will the victim/survivor be strong enough to turn up and give evidence? EVEN WITNESSES UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES ARE AFRAID OF ATTENDING & GIVING EVIDENCE AT COURT! However, you would have a vulnerable person, giving evidence against the person that they love, the person who has inflicted physical, emotional and mental abuse on them. A PERSON WHO HAS POWER AND CONTROL OVER THEM. Who knows what buttons to press and who knows the victims/survivors weaknesses! The victim/survivor will be aware of the offenders body language in the Court, the way they look at them; the victim/survivor will know what that look in the offenders eye means BECAUSE THE VICTIM/SURVIVOR WILL HAVE SEEN IT MANY TIMESTHE LOOK THAT SAYS JUST YOU WAIT. They victim/survivor is being questioned by a trained professional about their relationship, about whether they are telling the truth, they will be interrogated to all intents and purposes THIS WILL BE A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE FOR THEMONE THAT MAY OVERWHELM THEM! After giving their evidence - What will happen? Will the offender be punished for their actions, or will they get off lightly!

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In which case how will that make the victim/survivor feel?

Will they feel that what has happened to them has been treated seriously? On the other hand, will they feel let down! Will they be willing to report it if it happens again Or will they not have faith or belief in the authorities?

REMEMBER

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY WE MUST TREAT IT SERIOUSLY

Victims/Survivors learn to minimize the violence in their minds; so that what has happened to them does not seem as bad to them. People who work within agencies and authorities that deal with domestic violence get used to hearing similar cases everydayit is important that they do not get blas about what they hear

THE SITUATION IS VERY REAL TO THE VICTIMS/SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HAS A HUGE IMPACT ON THEIR LIVES.

Tina Royles2002

THE EMOTIONAL REACTIONS TO VIOLENCE

THE NUMBING OF EMOTIONS

TRIVIALISING VIOLENCE

FREQUENT LLNESSES

FEELING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ABUSE

FEARS

ANGER ABOUT THE VIOLENCE/ CHAOS

EMBARRASSMENT

WITHDRAWING INTO ONE`S SELF

DEPRESSION

Tina Royles2002

ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

Apart from the violence how would you know if you were in an abusive relationship?

Discussion

1) Does your partner expect/insist on detailed reports of your daily activities 2) Do you question your ability to do tasks you used to do easily and very well? 3) Do you feel you cannot live without your partner? 4) Does your partner tell you that no one else will want you? 5) Does your partner call you names? 6) Does your partner ridicule/insult your family and friends? 7) Do you feel uneasy being with your partner and your friends at the same time for fear of a scene? 8) Do you often feel youre walking on eggshells? 9) Does your partner threaten to Punish you? 10) Does your partner ridicule you for crying or worrying? 11) Are you afraid no one else would like the real you

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When someone tells you that they are a victim/survivor of domestic violence Be aware, listen to what is being saidand I mean really listen! When you hear that the offender has dragged the victim/survivor about but there are no marks remember how terrifying that could be for the victim/survivor! When you hear the offender has placed their hands around the victim/survivors throat, but there are no marks, think how scared the victim/survivor must have felt! When the victim/survivor says they shouted at me, think how scared the victim/survivor must have been! When you hear that the offender was verbally abusivethink about the impact and the real effect those words would have on the victim/survivorHow would you feel! Think about the intimidationthe invading of personal space, what was the offenders intentiondid they know that their actions or words would scare the victim/survivor!think of not only the physical injuries, but think of the emotional and mental abuse that is being inflicted! Think about the offender saying that it was an accidentthat they just lost control! Why dont they just lose control then when they have just had an argument with their mates in the pub!Why do they just lose it with their partner! Why if the victim/survivor goes to workdoes the offender inflict injuries that cannot be seenthat can be covered up by clothing!because the offender still wants the victim/survivor to go out and earn moneythe offender is in control of their actions.

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If the offender has inflicted injuries that can be seenthink about whyis the offender jealous of the victim/survivor going to workis the intention to stop the victim/survivor from going through embarrassmentis it to stop the victim/survivor from socialising with their family and friendsthink about it!

REMEMBER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Is a power and control issue Please dont underestimate it!

Tina Royles2002

VICTIM/SURVIVORS RIGHTS

Victim/Survivors have the right to say NO Victim/Survivors have the right NOT to be responsible for their partners problems Victim/Survivors HAVE the right to have their own opinions, to express them and to be taken serious Victim/Survivors have the right to earn and control their own money Victim/Survivors have the RIGHT to be SAFE Victim/Survivors have the RIGHT to be treated with RESPECT

REMEMBER One in four is a victim of Domestic Violence Two women die each week from Domestic Violence incidents Domestic Violence is a Social Issue that needs to be dealt with. Family, Friends, Colleagues, Neighbours, Agencies, Authorities, Employers need to help support victims of Domestic Violence, raise awareness and assist in the campaign to stamp out such a social and complex issue!

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SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS

How does everything already mentioned relate to those suffering domestic violence in a same sex relationship? All of it applies! However there are additional issues as well: Isolation Privacy Not out to family, friends and work colleagues Fear of authority myth that authorities will treat them badly Fear that their partner will leave them In some cases there may only be that partner in their lives they may have been cut off by everyone else due to their sexual orientation They may not have come to terms with their own sexual orientation yet therefore they may be embarrassed to report anything Fear of people finding out about their sexual orientation Fear of losing their job Threats made by their partner to out them, to inform family, friends, work colleagues and agencies that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans gendered to out them without their permission (homophobic control)

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ISSUES FACING THE POLICE

Domestic violence is very complex and difficult to deal with anyway Officers may not realise that the incident is a domestic incident, i.e. not aware that the two persons in front of them are a couple or have been in a relationship parties may not disclose the fact that they are gay Lack of awareness of Police Officers and other agencies in dealing with same sex issues. Unwillingness of victim to cooperate with the investigation or prosecution Victims fear of authorities based on media coverage that they will refuse to help, that they will excuse or deny the seriousness of the violence Concerns about revealing their sexual orientation to service providers, family, friends or colleagues Improved training for Police with the need to address homophobia and discrimination within that organisation To develop written and spoken language in policies and literature that is inclusive of the LGBT community.

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OTHER GROUPS ETHNIC MINORITIES There are the additional issues of forced marriages, extended families living together, there may be a language barrier for seeking help, there may be transport issues to seek help, there may be fear of authorities or agencies (I have been told on many occasions by victim/survivors of domestic violence that are from third world countries, that the Police are to be feared, due to the violence and aggression they show. It is therefore very hard to break this view point in relation to our own police officers. But again Police Officer training should highlight these issues/concerns). Awareness raising and campaigns should highlight these issues/concerns and seek to re-address these impressions. MALES Men are victim/survivors of domestic violence also. It is something that is very rarely highlighted, but it goes on. It isnt a new thing, it has been happening for as long as it has been happening to women. I have dealt with many men who have been assaulted by women. Their reasons for not reporting previous incidents to police or other agencies are again fear of not being believed, false counter allegations (one male victim/survivor I dealt with was well over six foot, and a very stocky build, his female partner was five foot nothing and a very slight build. He had bruises and scratch marks all over his face, he had been bitten, and had cigarette burns on his arms, and she had bruises up her arms from him trying to restrain her. However he was adamant that if Police attended as a result of a `999` emergency call, would they believe him over her, his belief was that the officers would arrest him. Again good training on awareness for officers should highlight best practice), there is also a fear of peer pressure, what would their friends and family think, no one to talk to about their circumstances. Up until the last few years, there were very few agencies that had or made provisions for male victim/survivors, and very few refuges for male victim/survivors.

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ELDERLY/VULNERABLE Again this is an issue that has only in the last five years been highlighted, and again the awareness is not adequate. Who protects the victim/survivors from a relative or one who is appointed as their carer. Who takes the time to listen when an elderly or vulnerable person tells you they have bruises, that they are being shouted at, that they are being manhandled. General perception was their frail they bruise easily they may be difficult how does the carer manage. Due to these perceptions issues such as domestic violence was allowed to go on unnoticed. Who noticed the generation we live in today how many of us pop in for chats with our neighbours like our grandparents did. How many of us check to see if our neighbours are okay if we havent seen them for a while? If anyone did call round, and saw a bruise thought they must have fallen over who questioned or challenged? There is work being done to highlight the issues of the elderly/vulnerable in relation to domestic violence, by age concern and other agencies, and in particular the organisation Elder Abuse. The awareness of the general public however is very low, and needs to be highlighted on a large scale.

CHILDREN Children are victim/survivors of domestic violence whether directly or indirectly. There have been great improvements over the last five years, in the services and organizations available in helping children. There has also through the introduction of the citizenship curriculum in Schools, been the opportunity to take the issues of domestic violence, peer pressure, relationships etc into the schools and raise the awareness of the school children. There has also been the training given to staff within the schools on domestic violence. Awareness via the media is prominent, but needs to remain constant.
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ANIMALS Pets can and are often used in domestic violence cases, whether injury is inflicted on them also, or using threats to hurt them, kidnap them, or destroying them as emotional control over a victim/survivor. The RSPCA has highlighted this in studies conducted. I can also confirm many victim/survivors have highlighted this to me over the years and I invited representatives from such agencies to a conference I conducted in 2001 to raise their awareness. There are a number of organisations and charities involved with animals that are aware of the impact of domestic violence and have taken this into account through the services they offer. However there are still many organisations which are not aware of the link between domestic violence and animal abuse.

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THE WAY FORWARD Despite the increase in awareness on domestic violence, there are still horrific cases which slip through the net, and each and every one of us must be vigilant. Issues are generally only topics on agendas for short spaces of time, and unless awareness is continually raised and highlighted, people lose interest and slip back into old ways of not getting involved, thinking why should I get involved, it doesnt affect me so why should I help. Domestic violence affects everyone in society whether directly or indirectly, it is a huge social issue/concern. At present it relates to a quarter of all reported crime and bearing in mind not everyone reports domestic violence, if they did the figures would be unthinkable. Domestic violence has long term effects on all those involved; the effects stay with the victim/survivor even if they have left the offender. Workplaces need to have as standard Human Resource good practice, policies on domestic violence, provisions put in place in other policies such as sickness or absence policies for consideration of the issues. Training should be given to the Human Resource/Employee Relations department on the subject of domestic violence, how this affects its employees as victim/survivors or as offenders. Training and awareness should then be rolled out to other staff. Support and welfare needs to be provided for the employees suffering from domestic violence. Why this assistance? Absence levels are high in most organisations, victim/survivors dont generally come out and say they are off due to Domestic violence, other ailments are given, if they have injuries how many of them will say they fell over. If the organization had a good clear policy, and had raised the awareness, welfare and support was good then victim/survivors may feel strong enough and confident enough to seek help from their employer.
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If commitment, loyalty, and assistance are given to the employee, then there would be increased moral, loyalty, commitment and productivity by the employee. Therefore addressing the issue of domestic violence would not only help the employee but also the employer. Intervention should be taken into account on moral grounds, and from a human resource perspective, however if not there is the cost implication for employers via preventing absence. Raising the awareness must continue, to organizations, agencies and to the general public. Training must be undertaken by organizations, and agencies in relation to domestic violence. Initiatives must continue to be undertaken on the subject of domestic violence. Everyone must strive to make domestic violence a social issue, and an issue that isnt tolerated in our society.

Tina Royles2002

AGENCIES AVAILABLE There are many agencies on a national and a local level available to help with the issues surrounding domestic violence. A way to find them is either by way of your local directory (at the front of the directory under useful numbers or under such headings as support groups), by leaflets from your local council, or via their internet. Via approaching a key agency that has a statutory duty imposed by the Crime and Disorder Act to be involved in partnership work with other agencies these key statutory agencies are Police, Social Services and the Council. Each of these three, will have representatives on domestic violence groups/forums/crime and disorder groups and will have strong links with other agencies both voluntary agencies and statutory agencies. Other key agencies involved with domestic violence are: Victim Support Scheme (VSS) Womens Aid Social Services Child Protection Team Social Services Family Services Team Social Services Elderly Team Health Authority Child Protection Team Home Start Relate Age Concern Careline Family Mediation Services Police Domestic Violence Units Police Child Protection Units Police Hate Crime, Race, and Vulnerable Minority Teams Solicitors Family and Domestic Violence Solicitors Probation Service Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (ADAS) Mental Health Units Citizens Advice Bureau National Society Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) Child line Samaritans There are many other agencies involved on a local basis to assist.

Tina Royles2002

All work within this publication has been provided by and with permission from Tina Royles & Selyor Ltd to raise awareness on domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Copyright 2002 Tina Royles. The right of Tina Royles to be identified as the owner and author of the work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, nor be circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Tina Royles2002