Domestic Abuse

The primary focus of this website is the safety and well being of women and children, however the majority of agencies mentioned are not purely focussed on women, their services may be used by men as necessary. The Barnsley Domestic Abuse Forum defines domestic abuse as:-
any abuse between current and former partners in an intimate relationship, wherever the abuse occurs. The abuse may include physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse." Domestic abuse occurs across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.

The overwhelming majority of cases are against women but it is recognised that men can suffer from domestic abuse in either heterosexual relationships or same sex relationships. Domestic abuse is not limited by social group, age, culture, ability or class and occurs across the social spectrum. Children in the family are recognised as being at risk either as direct victims or by association. Domestic abuse is grossly under reported for many reasons. Some people think that domestic abuse is the norm or a cultural thing. Many men and women have watched their parents being abusive and ended up in the same position themselves. The reasons why people stay in abusive relationships are varied. Some stay for the sake of children, some out of fear, some have suffered abuse for so long that they develop low self worth and perhaps just dont have the energy or are too frightened to get help. Some have been threatened by their partner when they have tried to do something about it. Historically, domestic abuse has not been dealt with very sensitively by the authorities resulting in loss of confidence in the system. Bringing the perpetrator to justice has involved lengthy delays allowing more time and space for the perpetrator to threaten violence or wear the partner/ex partner down.

A few facts about domestic abuse nationally:-
Only 2% of domestic abuse is reported.
98% of domestic abuse occurs against women.
50% of all rape is carried out by husbands or male partners.
50% of all murders are committed against women by male partners.
33% of all suicide attempts by women are linked to their experience of
abuse.

" On average, women endure an average of 35 violent assaults before
reporting their partners to the police.
" On average a woman will suffer domestic abuse for 7 years before
leaving home.
" 36 men a year die from domestic abuse
" 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence at some point in their
lives.
" Domestic abuse knows no barriers, it occurs regardless of age, income,
disability, education, race, culture and social class.
" In Barnsley It is estimated there were 1,516 domestic abuse incidents
that became crimes April 2005 to March 2006.
" At least 43% of offences were committed under the influence of alcohol
or drugs,

We hope that the information included in this website will assist everyone working with, or experiencing domestic abuse.