Domestic Violence
Are you, or do you know someone who is a victim of domestic abuse?
These services guarantee confidentiality and will give you non judgemental help and advice.
Emergency - Police 999
Police Domestic Violence Officers – 0845 33 00 222
Your local domestic violence officer can be contacted on. The operator will be able to put you in touch with your local officer. If it is an emergency always dial 999.
Web: (http://www.herts.police.uk/report/domesticviolence.htm)
Hertfordshire’s Domestic Violence/Abuse Line 08088 088 088
Confidential helpline giving advice support and information available Monday to Friday 10.00am to 8.00pm
National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
A free 24 hour national domestic violence helpline and website run in partnership by Women's Aid and Refuge.
Women's Aid Website: www.womensaid.org.uk/
Refuge Website: www.refuge.org.uk/
Victim Support - 0845 30 30 900
A helpline and website which gives information and support to victims of crime, whether or not they have reported the crime to the police.
Web: www.victimsupport.org.uk/
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
The NSPCC specisalises in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children.
Web: www.nspcc.org.uk/
Childline - 0800 11 11
A helpline and website providing counsellors for children and young people to talk to.
Web: www.childline.org.uk/
Man2Man - 0208 698 9649
A helpline for male victims of domestic violence.
Broken Rainbow - 08452 60 44 60
A helpline and website for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are experiencing domestic violence.
Web: www.broken-rainbow.org.uk/
Elder Abuse - 080 8808 8141
Elder Abuse aims to prevent abuse in old age by raising awareness and promoting research.
Web: www.elderabuse.org.uk/
Jewish Women's Aid - 0800 59 12 03
A counselling and outreach service which helps Jewish women and their children escape domestic violence. It also provides the only kosher refuge in Europe.
Solas Anois - 0208 664 6289
Providing refuge accommodation, advice and information for Irish women and Irish travelling women and their children escaping domestic violence.
Muslim Community Helpline - 020 8904 8193
Provides a confidential listening service and referrals to Islamic consultants, as well as practical help and information.
The Sunflower Centres - 01923 215180 (Watford)
01442 270679 (Hemel Hempstead)
A one stop shop providing advice and help for victims of domestic violence. There are centres in Hemel Hempstead and Watford.
Tulip Project 0151 637 6363
A project that support parents who have experienced violence at the hands of their children.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is defined as:
“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”.
Domestic abuse, and particularly domestic violence, is a hidden crime. It doesn't only affect women, although statistics show that they are more likely to experience violence or abuse in the home, it also affects men and children and is just as likely to happen in a same sex relationship.
Victims are not usually attacked by a stranger in some dark, lonely place but in their own home, behind closed doors, out of public view.
The abuse does not have to be physical. It can be:
- Financial;
- Sexual;
- Psychological
All the members of the Stevenage Community Safety Partnership are fully committed to help any, and every, victim of domestic abuse and will give assistance to the Police and prosecuting agencies to bring the perpetrator to Court.
Facts and Figures
- Over a twelve month period over 1240 incidents of domestic violence were reported in Stevenage.
- That equates to one incident every 7 and a half hours.
- Of those 1240 incidents, 540 were officially reported as crimes.
- Of those 540, 40%involved repeat victims.
- On average a victim of domestic abuse will suffer over 30 incidents before reporting the matter.
- Two women die in the UK EVERY WEEK, murdered as a result of domestic violence. (42% of all female murder victims are killed by their partner or ex-partner.)
- Domestic violence accounts for between 20% and 25% of all reported violent crime nationally.
- It accounts for 27% of violent crime in Stevenage.
- In many cases, domestic violence happens in front of children.
- 1 in 4 women will be the victim of domestic abuse at some point in their lives.
- The incidence of domestic violence in Stevenage is above the County and National average.
The estimated total cost of domestic violence to society in monetary terms is £23 billion per annum. This figure includes an estimated £3.1 billion as the cost to the state and £1.3 billion as the cost to employers and human suffering cost of £17 billion
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or need help and advice for yourself or someone you know, use the contacts above to get help