What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse can be defined as any threatening
behaviour, violence or
abuse - emotional, psychological, physical, sexual
or financial.
This is regardless of gender, age, race or sexuality, and
includes forced marriages and so-called honour-based violence.
Between April 2010 and December 2010, 4092
women and 867 men reported being a victim
of domestic abuse in Cheshire.
Do you know someone who may be a victim of Domestic Abuse?
It is important for people to recognise what abuse is - whether
that be emotional, psychological, physical, sexual or
financial.
Ask yourself the following questions
Take the time to find out if things you have noticed
about a friend, relative, work
colleague or neighbour could be a sign
that they are suffering from domestic abuse.
They could be in an emotionally abusive
relationship if their partner:
- Calls them names, insults them or continually criticises
them.
- Doesn't trust them and continually acts in a jealous or
possessive manner.
- Tries to isolate them from family or friends.
- Monitors where they go, who they call and who they spend time
with.
- Does not want them to work.
- Controls finances or refuses to share money.
- Punishes them by withholding affection.
- Expects them to ask permission.
- Threatens to hurt them, their children, family or pets.
- Humiliates them in any way.
They could be in a physically abusive
relationship if their partner has ever:
- Damaged property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls,
kicked doors, etc).
- Pushed, slapped, bitten, kicked or choked them.
- Abandoned them in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.
- Scared them by driving recklessly.
- Used a weapon to threaten or hurt them.
- Forced them to leave their home.
- Trapped them in their home or kept them from leaving.
- Prevented them from calling the police or seeking medical
attention.
- Hurt their children.
- Used physical force in sexual situations
What can you do to help?
If you are concerned that someone close to you
is suffering from domestic abuse it might be
difficult to know what to do for the best.
There are things you can do to help them:
- Make sure that they are safe.
- Be understanding and supportive.
- Allow them time to talk - do not push them into giving too much
detail if they do not feel comfortable doing that.
- Do not criticise the abuser as it could put the person off
telling you any more.
- Ask if they have been physically abused - offer to go with them
to the hospital if they need medical attention.
- If they want to an incident to the police - then help them to
do this.
- Look at all the options that are available together.
- Go with them to visit a solicitor if they are ready to take
this step.
- Help them work out safe plans for leaving the
relationship.
- Let them decide what is safe and what is not. Do not encourage
them to follow any plans they are not sure about.
- Do not put yourself in a dangerous position.
How to report Domestic Abuse
If an incident is happening now or someone has been injured or
in danger
Call 999
If you are concerned about someone
If you are worried that someone close to you is experiencing
domestic abuse please contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458
0000.
The National 24-hour domestic abuse helpline can be contacted on
0808 2000 247.
We will investigate all reports of Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is an issue that Cheshire Police takes extremely
seriously - and is not acceptable under any circumstances.
Cheshire Police will investigate all reports of domestic abuse
and, in line with Government guidelines, will take positive action
to bring offenders to justice and hold them accountable for their
actions.
The force has a Public Protection Unit and part of its role is
dedicated to investigating cases of domestic abuse.
Victims of domestic abuse are also offered advice and support
through a number of different channels - including Cheshire
Police's specially trained domestic abuse officers and dedicated
support services via our partner agencies within the local
community.
We want women and men to have the confidence and know-how to
speak out against the abuse.