Every year, almost 2 million people in the UK experience Domestic Abuse. Seven women a month are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales.
Research by SafeLives revealed that 85% of victims of abuse sought help five times on average from professionals in the year before they got effective help to stop the abuse. It is well recognised that early intervention by agencies can help protect adults and children from harm as well as preventing escalation and recurrence of abuse.
As a housing provider, we may often be the first point of contact in spotting and responding to Domestic Abuse. It is also recognised that housing will be a key barrier in a person attempting to leave abusive situations.
If you are a victim or you suspect that someone else is a victim of domestic abuse please report this to The Police, GDASS or Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. If you are in immediate danger or you believe that someone else is, call 999 and ask for the police.
The 16 Days of Action Campaign supports taking action against domestic abuse and violence
This year the 16 days cover…
25th November – White ribbon day encouraging people to wear a white ribbon and #MakethePromise. Never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/
26th November – Young people taking action – Calling youth groups, schools and colleges –White Ribbon Supporters and meet White Ribbon Youth Advocates whiteribbon.org.uk/youth
27th November – Ending stalking – Stalking has increased during lockdown. The national stalking helpline is: 0808 802 0300
28th November – Ending forced marriage – end forced marriage. Follow Karma Nirvana @KNFMHBV. For help: gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage
29th November – Women Human Rights Defenders Day – Women Human Rights Defenders Day. Find out more at globalfundforwomen.org/women-human-rights-defenders-quotes
30th November – Prevent domestic abuse – The increase in domestic abuse during the pandemic has been horrifying. Speak positively to your friends. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted on 0808 2000 247
1st December – World Aids Day -– behave safely. unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/hiv-and-aids/violence-against-women
2nd December – Support White Ribbon – through the donation page https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/donate-fundraise/#donate
3rd December – Supporting all survivors – People aged 60+ are less likely to seek help but just as likely to be a victim of domestic abuse. Help is available for everyone: 0808 2000 247
4th December – Ending workplace harassment – Workplace harassment has moved online during lockdown. Be that trusted person, wear a white ribbon, check your colleagues are OK. Support them if they want to disclose.
5th December – Sports – People in sport are role models. Lead by example.
6th December – a day of memory for those who have lost their lives as victims of domestic abuse.
7Th December – Ambassadors – Men can make a difference. #WhiteRibbon Ambassadors have made a commitment to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. They live this commitment every day. Could you? Find out more: whiteribbon.org.uk/ambassadors and whiteribbon.org.uk/promise
8th December – Supporting survivors in the BAME community
9th December – Asking organisations to take a stand
10th December – Human Rights Day – We all have the right to live violence free. Let’s make it happen. #HumanRightsDay #womensrights are #humanrights