Definition
We follow the Government's definition of domestic violence as follows:
"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”.
This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called 'honour based violence', female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.
This definition notes that domestic violence can encompass a wide range of abuse; some may be criminal offences, some may allow the victim to take civil action, and some may not.
Context
Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident and should instead be seen as a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their victim. Domestic violence occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, or geography. The figures show, however, that it consists mainly of violence by men against women
Research shows that domestic violence:
- claims 150 lives each year (79% women, 21% men)
- accounts for almost a fifth of all violent crime
- has more repeat victims than any other crime (on average there will be 35 assaults before a victim calls the police)
Domestic violence also impacts on the health and welfare of children and young people. Children are often aware of what is happening and they are likely to be affected by the fear, distress and disruption to their lives. There is also an overlap between abuse of women and abuse of children. Where the safety and welfare of children are of concern we will deal with it in accordance with our Child Protection Policy
Research
Research tells us through a poll for the BBC in February 2003, that one in four adults has experienced domestic violence. Only 37% had reported an incident to the police, whilst data from Stanko 2000 shows that acts of domestic violence are committed every six seconds and 999 calls reporting domestic violence are made every minute. In addition, The Women’s Refuge found that the majority of women had been subjected to violence for over three years, but one quarter had endured violence for over ten years (Binney et el 1998).
Domestic violence is also a factor in at least one in four suicide attempts by women.
Eastbourne Homes Domestic Violence Policy
Eastbourne Homes has a policy of zero tolerance in regards to domestic violence and will be pro-active in supporting victims living in properties we manage. We believe:
- That every person has a right to be safe from fear and abuse
- That domestic violence is unacceptable and should not be tolerated
- That violence in relationships is an abuse of power as well as being a criminal offence
- Anyone experiencing domestic violence should be supported and protected from further abuse
- Perpetrators should be held accountable for their actions
We have a comprehensive Domestic Violence Policy and Procedure which set out how Eastbourne Homes responds to, records and monitors incidents of domestic violence, with the aims of:
This policy covers customers living in properties managed by Eastbourne Homes including family members that are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparents, in-laws, and stepfamily, and covers the following groups: -
Women or men with children
Women or men without children
Women or men with or without children who are experiencing domestic violence/abuse from a, former partner
Women or men with or without who are experiencing domestic violence/abuse from any other member of the family
Women and men in same sex relationships with or without children
Violence from adult children to parent(s)
This policy is intended for everyone (complainant or witness) who wishes to report incidents of domestic violence which occurred on properties managed by Eastbourne Homes.
For more information about our policy and procedure please click on the link to the left or contact our Housing and Estates Services Team on 01323 415336
Further links
Please also use the links on the left to find out what to do if you experience domestic violence
