What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse can affect anyone aged 16 or over. It can involve controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behaviour intended to degrade someone, including sexual violence. Such abuse may be perpetrated by a partner, former partner, family member, or carer.
It was estimated that, by the end of March 2019, 2.4 million adults had experienced domestic violence, with no significant change in the numbers reported the previous year.
Domestic abuse is often considered a hidden crime. It is frequently not reported, or is only partially reported, which can prevent it from entering the criminal justice system.
Domestic violence is a complex issue that exists across cultures and social classes. The forms it takes, and the responses to it, can vary according to the cultural backgrounds of the people involved. This can make its impact difficult to assess.
For women who have experienced domestic violence from multiple family members and faced stigma in their community for disclosing the abuse, being able to speak to a support worker in their own language can be a 'lifeline'.
Cycle of Domestic Abuse
This image shows the Cycle of Domestic Abuse, a repeating pattern of behaviour that often occurs in abusive relationships. It's divided into four main stages:
- Tension Building – Stress and conflict start to rise. The abuser may use silent treatment or become moody, while the victim feels anxious, walks on eggshells, and tries to avoid making things worse.
- Explosion – The abuse happens. This can include verbal, emotional, or physical violence, such as shouting, name-calling, threats, hitting, or breaking things.
- Reconciliation – The abuser may apologize, make excuses, or deny what happened, often blaming the victim or external factors ("It's your fault," or "I was stressed").
- Honeymoon – The abuser behaves kindly, acts as if nothing happened, may buy gifts, promise change, and show affection to regain control and prevent the victim from leaving.
Reference
Crime Survey for England and Wales, 2019.
Anita, S. (2010). No Resources, No Support: State Policy and Practice towards South Asian Women Facing Domestic Violence in the UK, British Journal of Social Work, 40, p. 462-479.
