Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse
DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SEXUAL ABUSE
Home and intimate relationships should help people to feel safe but that may be compromised if children, young people and their parents are living with emotional pressures such as the threat of forced marriage, honour-based violence, and domestic or intimate partner abuse.
The impact of these experiences for children and young people should always be considered and referrals made to Children and Young People Service via the Rotherham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, call 01709 336080 if there are concerns. Or, follow this link: Referring a safeguarding concern to Children and Young People Service
Similarly you should consider the vulnerability of the adults involved and consider a referral to Adult Safeguarding, Report Abuse click HERE.
Domestic abuse is defined as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, co-ercive, 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”. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
Domestic abuse can also include forced marriage and so-called “honour crimes”.
Controlling and co-ercive behaviour
Domestic abuse is often thought of as physical, such as hitting, slapping or beating, but it can also be controlling or co-ercive behaviour. This is important as what might look like an isolated incident of violent abuse could be taking place in a context of controlling or co-ercive behaviour.
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or independent 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.
Co-ercive 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.
We know that the first incident reported to the police or other agencies is rarely the first incident to occur; often people have been subject to violence and abuse on multiple occasions before they seek help.
DOMESTIC ABUSE and SEXUAL ABUSE and covid-19
Click HERE for guidance
South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit.
This short animation explains how the use of SmartWater can identify perpetrators of domestic abuse and keep victims safe from harm.
Domestic abuse can be just as damaging to children and young people as it can be to the victim, and locally the Safer Rotherham Partnership oversees multi-agency working to ensure that all citizens are protected from harm.
Find out more about the Safer Rotherham Partnership
For further information
RSCP newsletter: Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse and Covid-19
RSCP - see the Domestic Violence information in our practice procedures
Useful Links:
National Stalking Helpline – Suzy Lamplugh Trust; The National Stalking Helpline is run by Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Their mission is to reduce the risk of violence and aggression through campaigning, education and support. Telephone: 0808 802 0300 Website: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/
South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit. https://southyorkshireviolencereductionunit.com/
https://twitter.com/SY_VRU https://www.facebook.com/southyorkshireviolencereductionunit
Services Available to Rotherham Residents:
If it’s an emergency always ring 999.
If you have recently been sexually assaulted you can ring 999 and report to the Police and they will refer you to Hackenthorpe Lodge, the South Yorkshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre https://www.hackenthorpelodge.org/. Or you can ring Hackenthorpe Lodge direct to make an appointment on 0330 223 0938.
If you want support and advice please contact The Independant Sexual Violence Advocacy Service 01709 835482 Email: info@rothacs.org.uk
The Rotherham Abuse Counselling Centre - 01709 835482.
Rotherham Rise Confidential Advice Line:0330 2020571
National Helplines:
Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
(run by Refuge)
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Respect helpline: 0808 802 4040
(for anyone worried that they may be harming someone else)
Galop: 0800 999 5428
(national helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people experiencing domestic abuse)
Forced Marriage Unit: 0207 008 0151
If you suspect that an abuser is monitoring your internet usage, find out how to hide your browser history:
Women’s Aid also provides webchat https://chat.womensaid.org.uk/Monday to Friday 10am – 12pm
Data on domestic abuse
Data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales, the Home Office Homicide Index and the Ministry of Justice are classified as National Statistics. Police recorded crime and outcomes data from the Home Office are classified as official statistics. National Statistics are a subset of official statistics that have been certified by the UK Statistics Authority as compliant with its Code of Practice for Statistics.