How much do you know about domestic abuse?  Domestic Abuse Quiz Did you know……

That... 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence and abuse over their lifetimes

That... 1 in 6 men will experience domestic violence and abuse over their lifetimes

That... despite it being an under-reported crime, the police receive one call every minute about domestic violence

That... 44% of victims of domestic abuse are involved in more than one incident with women being at greater risk of repeat victimisation and serious injury

That... in around 90% of cases, children are either in the same room or the next room when domestic abuse or violence is committed and this can have many detrimental effects on children, both physically and emotionally

That... domestic abuse has no limits or pattern with regard to age, social class, race, disability or lifestyle

That... on average 2 women a WEEK are KILLED by current or former male partners

Domestic Abuse is defined in the following way:

Domestic Abuse is violence, the threat of violence, abuse, intimidating and harassing behaviour perpetuated by one person against another in a personal, intimate or family relationship.  Domestic abuse occurs between two people, where one has power over the other (including financial power) causing fear, physical and/or psychological harm.  Children, young people and animals may experience harm by being in the presence of or by being exposed to abuse in the relationship by becoming victims of abuse or a combination of the two.

The partner agencies operate with these aims in mind:

•         Increasing awareness of this under-reported crime and reducing social tolerance of domestic abuse of women and men, within the locality through publicity, education and training

•         Increase the availability of safe choices and services for anyone experiencing domestic abuse

•         Reducing the number of repeat Domestic Abuse victims in the District

The partner agencies use their wide range of contacts and knowledge to identify gaps in services and with the support of the CSP, work to fill these gaps and achieve their overall aims and objectives.

DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE.........

If you or a friend or relative require advice or assistance, services available, with contact telephone numbers and/or websites are detailed below.

LOCALLY, for general advice and support you can ring the following people in the utmost confidence.......

Essex Police – Specialist Police Officers from the Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding team will advise victims who wish to report an incident and they will offer support, including putting you in touch with other related services, throughout the process

To contact the Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Team (Central Division) telephone 01245 490840 or Dial 101 (Essex Police non emergency number)
Website www.essex.police.uk

Braintree Women’s Aid provides safe refuge accommodation and ongoing support for women and children escaping from domestic abuse.  They are a community-based service for women in the community who are or have been affected by domestic abuse via Outreach services.  Their key workers can give advice on housing and accommodation to women where required.

Braintree Women’s Aid also offer a Women’s Resource Centre where women and their children can simply pop in to for a chat, a cup of tea and access information.  The Resource Centre is completely informal – no name, no number, no pressure – just respite and support.
01376 321720
Website  www.womensaid.org.uk

For advice on legal matters, benefits and your rights, you can refer to Braintree, Halstead & Witham Citizen’s Advice Bureau
0844 4994719
Website www.bhwcab.org.uk

Centre for Action on Rape & Abuse (CARA)01206 769795
Website www.caraessex.org.uk
Provides advice & support to women who are or have been victims of rape and/or abuse

Colchester Gay Switchboard
01206 869191
Website www.gayessex.org.uk
Provides general advice and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender men and women and will listen and offer referral advice regarding domestic abuse

NATIONAL Helplines for guidance, support and advice................

National Women’s Aid 24hr Free Helpline
0808 2000 247
Website www.womensaid.org.uk
Provides advice for women suffering from Domestic Abuse

MALE (National Men’s Advice Line & Enquiries)
0808 801 0327
Website www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Provides advice and support for men suffering or have suffered from Domestic Abuse

Broken Rainbow
08452 604460
Website www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
Provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender men and women who are experiencing domestic abuse