Welsh Women's Aid Information

Question 1

Grwp Cynefin ( Gorwel)

Answer 1

Gorwel is a Business Unit within Grŵp Cynefin. Gorwel’s main focus is to provide support services in the field of domestic violence and homelessness prevention. Gorwel operates within three counties in north Wales and provides support to up to 500 service users per week, employing 54 members of staff. Gorwel‘s projects include refuges, supported housing schemes, children and young people services, support in the community and independent domestic violence advisory service.

Gorwel provides a Domestic Violence Service in Gwynedd and Anglesey, including three refuges in three confidential locations, which provide 24-hour emergency accommodation, 7 days a week, to women and their children fleeing domestic abuse. The project supports 9 service users (and their families) at any one time.

Question 2

White ribbon day?

Answer 2

Today is White Ribbon Day!. For today and the 16 days to end violence against women that follow, we are ask people in their communities, organisations and workplaces, to come together, and say ‘no’ to violence against women.

Because of thousands of people like you we are able to get the message out that men’s violence against women and girls must end. And that all men can make a difference. #AllMenCan is our leading message this year. It was developed for us in March when the murder of Sarah Everard brought women’s experience of men’s violence to the forefront of everyone’s minds. It also opened up so many conversations about men taking action and making a stand. We want as many men as possible to think carefully and make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Question 3

Policy names

Answer 3

Welsh Assembly Government - Tackling domestic abuse, the all wales national strategy ( structural backbone that directs DV strategy and facilitate joined up thinking, addresses domestic abuse holistically).
All Wales domestic abuse pathway

Question 4

What is WWA

Answer 4

The national umbrella organisation represencing local WA groups. 34 local member groups provide direct women centred support in the community and in reguges tto women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Question 5

dOMESTIC aBUSE

Answer 5

Domestic violnce accounts for between 16-25 % of all recorded violent crime.
45 % of women and 26% of men could recall being subhect to DV, SV or stalking at least once in their lifetimes.
Women are more likely than men to be subject to multiple incidents of abuse. i.e 89% of people who report four or more incidents of abuse are women.
Wales has the highest percentarge of women expericing partner violence at 7.1 % and thehighest for family violence at 4.8%.

Question 6

Policy names

Answer 6

Welsh Assembly Government - Tackling domestic abuse, the all wales national strategy ( structural backbone that directs DV strategy and facilitate joined up thinking, addresses domestic abuse holistically).
All Wales domestic abuse pathway
Good practice on Domestic abuse- gelping teachers and relevnt staff reocgnise and uenrstand children that had been victims of domestic abuse.
Domestic Abuse Bill- 2021- strengthen rules on controlling or coercive beahvours, crimilase threats to share intimate images without consent, end the rough sex defence in court, some progress on making sure immigration are ntt given identifying features. Recongition of children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, Step change- but does not go far enough.

Question 7

5MARAC

Answer 7

Multi agency responses for high risk victimes.

Response of the voluntary sector is crucial for the success of these high profile initatives.

Question 8

What is local authority response?

Answer 8

Local authorities have a legal duty to provide welfare services to people idenrified as being paritcularly vulnerable., to promote and improve their social wellbeing and welfare.

Question 9

History of Women’s Aid

Answer 9

1960s and 70s- saw the creation of the women’s refuce movement ( heavily influenced by feminist movement of the period). This movement focused on bringng DV into public sphere for discussion and providing refuge services to women and children that had suffered domestic violence.
In 1974 the National Women’s Aid Federation was founded through different refuge groups joining to campaign nationally. Split in 1978 to devolved nations.

Question 10

Women’s AID IN wALES

Answer 10

Formerly established in 1978. 34 local Wa groups, covering 21 of 22 welsh local authorities.
Rather than solely offering refuges- focus has changed to a more proactice appraoch ( e.g awareness training, promotion of DV services, outreach servcices, information and practical support).

Question 11

Women’s Aid

Answer 11

Clearly been successful in raising issue of domestic abuse within political agenda and delivering services tom women. However, increasingly under pressure and competetition with larger organisations for funds.

Question 12

Purpose of the helpline?

Answer 12

Provide a link between invidual’s experiecning DV ( women and children) and the support they need.
Offers information on a range of issues and can refer women and their children to local WA refuges and advice services. Can discuss practical options available, including emergency accomodation, face to face support and counselling, welfare and benefits rights, housing issues, legal issues, perpetrator proframmes and any cocerns about childrren. Can also dicuss what the police, courts and other agencies can do to support and protect people.

Question 13

Impact of COVID-19

Answer 13

Huge increases in demand for WA.
Increasing complexity of need from those we support.
strains of frontline workers in reposing to survivors in trauma.
New ways perpetrators are using COVID-19 as another tool for abuse and control
Pandemic as a whole has had a dispoprionate impact on communities facing oppression.

Question 14

Particularly vulnerble roup

Answer 14

black, minoritised women, women with insecure immigration status, disabled women and LGBT+ survivors- face the most severe barriers to getting the help they need,
Insecure imigration states- denied safe housing, finance and protection.
disabled women- severe isolation, increased relianceon the abuser for care and acess to basic essentials and difficulties accessing statutory and specialisat services.

Question 15

Weaknesses of WA

Answer 15

Has in past been accused of not working effectivly as a team, left to inappropraite duplicating of resources and not being as financially effective as could be,

Question 16

Definition of domestic abuse

Answer 16

Domestic abuse is the exercise of control by one person over another within an intimate or close family relationship; the abuse can be sexual, physical, financial, emotional or psychological. The abuse can happen in the home or elsewhere.

It is usually a pattern of behaviour, and happens regardless of sex, age, carer responsibility, class, disability, gender identity, immigration status, ethnicity, geography or religion. However the gender of the victim and of the perpetrator influences the severity, risk, and harm caused

Question 17

Types of domestic abuse

Answer 17

1) Coercive control
2) Psychological/emotional abuse
3) Sexual abuse
4) Emotional/financial abuse

Question 18

What is coercive control

Answer 18

(This is an act or a pattern of acts of assault,
threats, humiliation and intimidation, or
other abuse that is used to harm, punish or
frighten the victim)

Question 19

What is psychological/emotional abuse

Answer 19

This can include:
• Verbal abuse, such as yelling, insulting or
swearing at the victim
• Rejection, such as rejecting the victim’s
thoughts, ideas and opinions
• Gaslighting, which is making the victim doubt
their own feelings and thoughts, including
their sanity, by manipulation of the truth
• Put downs, such as name calling or telling the
victims they’re stupid, publicly embarrassing
them and blaming them for everything
The aim of emotional abuse is to chip away
at the victim’s feelings of self-worth and
independence, leaving them feeling that
there’s no way out of the relationship, or that
without the abuser, they have nothing.

Question 20

What is sexual abuse?

Answer 20

This is any situation when a person is forced to
participate in unwanted, unsafe or degrading
sexual activity. Forced sex, even by a spouse
or intimate partner with whom you also have
consensual sex, is an act of sexual abuse.

Question 21

Types of domestic abuse

Answer 21

1) Coercive control
2) Psychological/emotional abuse
3) Sexual abuse
4) Emotional/financial abuse
5) Physical abuse
6) Harassment and Stalking
7) Honour based violence

Question 22

What is physical abuse?

Answer 22

This includes any physically aggressive
behaviour or indirect physically harmful
behaviour. This may include, but is not limited
to, hitting, kicking, biting, slapping, shaking,
pushing, pulling, punching, choking, beating,
scratching, pinching, pulling hair, stabbing,
shooting, drowning, burning, hitting with
an object, threatening with a weapon, or
threatening to physically assault

Question 23

What is harassment and stalking?

Answer 23

This may include stalking, relentless texting or
calling, monitoring or control over social media
and communications, video/audio recording
and revenge porn.

Question 24

What is honour based violence?

Answer 24

This can be described as a collection of
practices (forced marriage, female genital
mutilation) that are used to control behaviour
within families or other social groups to protect
perceived cultural and religious beliefs, and/
or honour. Such violence can occur when
abusers (primarily family members and often
multiple abusers) perceive that a relative
has shamed the family and/or community
by breaking their honour code. The Crown
Prosecution Service’s (CPS) guidance on
forced marriage and other forms of “honour”-
based violence suggests that LGBT+ people
may face these forms of abuse from relatives
or others in their community as a result of
how their sexual orientation or gender identity
is perceived. The CPS notes that this may
include use of forced marriage to “cure”
LGBT+ people, or the use of “corrective” rape.

Question 25

Who can experience domestic abuse?

Answer 25

Anyone can be a victim of domestic
abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity,
socio-economic status, sexuality or
background. In the majority of cases,
domestic abuse is perpetrated by a partner
or ex-partner, within both heterosexual and
same-sex relationships. Domestic abuse can
also come from a family member or carer.

Question 26

Can you give some examples of using abuse for power and control?

Answer 26

Dominance
Humiliation
Isolation
Threats
Intimidation
Denial and blame

Question 27

Cycle of abuse

Answer 27

Domestic abuse victims will often report that
they are not constantly experiencing abuse,
and/or that it is inflicted at random times.
There appears to be a definite pattern for the
abuse, which is recurring and has distinct
phases. This pattern is commonly referred to
as the ‘cycle of abuse’ and may help you to
understand at what stage a victim may use
the codeword. It is important to note that the
model below generally applies to women
experiencing abuse by men in intimate partner
relationships. However, the same means
of abuse are used by perpetrators of either
gender, in same-sex relationships and in family
abuse. The difference will be on how much
they rely on any one form of abuse to gain
power and control within their circumstances

Question 28

Cycle of abuse

Answer 28

Domestic abuse victims will often report that
they are not constantly experiencing abuse,
and/or that it is inflicted at random times.
There appears to be a definite pattern for the
abuse, which is recurring and has distinct
phases. This pattern is commonly referred to
as the ‘cycle of abuse’ and may help you to
understand at what stage a victim may use
the codeword. It is important to note that the
model below generally applies to women
experiencing abuse by men in intimate partner
relationships. However, the same means
of abuse are used by perpetrators of either
gender, in same-sex relationships and in family
abuse. The difference will be on how much
they rely on any one form of abuse to gain
power and control within their circumstances

Question 29

Phases of the cycle of abuse

Answer 29

1) Tensions building
2) Incident
3) Reconciliation
4) Calm ( honeymoon)

Question 30

Cycle of abuse- stage 1

Tensions building

Answer 30

This phase can last anywhere from minutes
to weeks. In it, stress builds and abusers may
begin to feel wronged, ignored or neglected.
They may accuse, shout, demand and/or have
unrealistic expectations, while the victim feels
like they are walking on eggshells, is afraid and
becomes anxious. Victims are likely already
familiar with the cycle and believe making a
small mistake will make the abuser angry, so
instead they may opt to stay quiet or not do
something. No matter what is said or done,
however, it seems like the victim is never right,
and a small incident can lead to a difficult
situation in seconds.

Question 31

Cycle of abuse- stage 2

Incident

Answer 31

At this stage, the victim says or does
something the abuser feels upset about or
threatened by, and the abuser attempts to
dominate the victim through verbal, physical
or sexual abuse. Victims may keep the
incident a secret and not share what
happened with others. In some cases, a
victim of abuse can end up requiring medical
attention such as being hospitalised and may
even lie to medical personnel about the cause
of their injuries.

Question 32

Cycle of abuse- stage 3

Reconciliation

Answer 32

At this point, the abuser might feel remorse,
guilt or fear, and try to excuse their behaviour
and initiate a reconciliation. This can involve
them buying flowers or gifts, taking the victim
out for dinner, or suggesting a holiday. They
often promise it will be the last time the
abuse happens. The victim experiences pain,
humiliation, disrespect and fear, and may
be staying for financial reasons or because
children are involved. The abuser stresses that
they did not want to do what they did, but
the victim made them because of their lack of
understanding, wrong behaviour or because
‘they do not listen’.

Question 33

Cycle of abuse- stage 4

Calm/ Honeymoon

Answer 33

Also known as the honeymoon stage, an
abuser may act as if nothing has happened, or
they might ‘turn on the charm’. This peaceful
honeymoon phase may give the victim hope
that the abuser has really changed this time.
An abuser then starts to find little flaws or
behaviours that they criticize in a passiveaggressive way and apologies become less
sincere over time. Little by little the same
behaviours begin to reappear, and the cycle
again returns to the tension-building phase.
For many victims, the abuser’s apologies and
loving gestures in between the episodes of
abuse can make it difficult to leave. They may
believe that they are the only person who
can help them, that the abuser will change
their behaviour, and that they truly love them.
Other victims may not experience this and feel
trapped through fear.

Question 34

What are some of the reasons why a survivor may not ask for help?

Answer 34

1) Danger and fear ( huge rise in the likelihood of violence after separation)
2) Isolation
3) Shame, embarrassment and denial

Question 35

Stats

Answer 35

55% of women killed by their ex partner were killed in the first month following separation
80 women 6 men recorded as victims of homicide by current or ex partners (2018/19)

Question 36

What are some of the reasons why a survivor may not ask for help?

Answer 36

1) Danger and fear ( huge rise in the likelihood of violence after separation)
2) Isolation
3) Shame, embarrassment and denial
4) Trauma and Low confidence
5) Practical reasons
6) The support to leave isn’t there when they ask for it

Question 37

Stats

Answer 37

55% of women killed by their ex partner were killed in the first month following separation
80 women 6 men recorded as victims of homicide by current or ex partners (2018/19)
An estimated 2.4 million adults
experienced domestic abuse in
the year ending March 2019, of
whom 1.6 million were women and
786,000 were men

Question 38

Nature and Impact of domestic abuse

Answer 38

Women aged 20 to 24 years were significantly
more likely to be victims of any domestic
abuse in the last year than women aged 25
years and over. Men aged between 16 and
19 were more likely to experience domestic
abuse than any other age group of men.

Question 39

Stats

Answer 39

55% of women killed by their ex partner were killed in the first month following separation
80 women 6 men recorded as victims of homicide by current or ex partners (2018/19)
An estimated 2.4 million adults
experienced domestic abuse in
the year ending March 2019, of
whom 1.6 million were women and
786,000 were men
62% of children living with domestic abuse are
directly harmed by the abuser, in addition to
the harm caused by witnessing the abuse of
others.5
On average, victims at high risk of serious
harm or being murdered live with domestic
abuse for 2 to 3 years before getting help

Question 40

Revenge pornography

Answer 40

Conviction data for image based sexual
abuse (commonly referred to as ‘revenge
pornography’) show that out of the 464
prosecutions for this offence recorded in the
year ending March 2018, 86% (400) were
flagged as being domestic abuse-related.10

Question 41

Myth: 
They can still be a good 
parent even if they are 
a domestic abuser. The 
parents’ relationship doesn’t 
have to affect the children

Answer 41

Reality: An estimated 90% of children whose
mothers are abused witness the abuse.
The effects are traumatic and long-lasting.
Between 40% and 70% of these children
are also direct victims of the abuse that is
happening at home11.

Question 42

Myth

Only women experience domestic abuse

Answer 42

Reality: While the majority of domestic abuse
is perpetrated by men against women, men
are also subject to abuse by female partners,
and both men and women experience abuse
from same-sex partners.

Question 43

Myth

Domestic abuse is rare

Answer 43

Reality: Domestic abuse is very common.
On average, 11 women and 4 men a month
are killed by their partner or former partner in
England and Wales.
Domestic abuse has a higher rate of repeat
victimisation than any other crime, and
on average, the police receive over 100
emergency calls relating to domestic abuse
every hour12.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience
domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Question 44

Is domestic abuse always a crime of passion?

Answer 44

Reality: Domestic abuse is rarely about
losing control but rather about taking control.
Abusive individuals rarely act spontaneously
when angry. They consciously choose when
to abuse their victim – when they are alone,
and when there are no witnesses (if there is
a witness, then usually they are a child). They
have control over the person they are abusing.

Question 45

2. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TACKLE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN,

DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE?

Answer 45

Violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence is a fundamental violation of
human rights, a cause and consequence of inequality and has far reaching consequences
for families, children and society as a whole.

Question 46

Sexual violence stats

Answer 46

1 in 5 women aged 16-59 has experienced some form of sexual violence since the
age of 16.
 2/3 all women and 85% of younger women experience sexual harassmenti9

Question 47

Sexual violence stats

Answer 47

1 in 5 women aged 16-59 has experienced some form of sexual violence since the
age of 16.
 2/3 all women and 85% of younger women experience sexual harassmenti
Nearly half a million adults are sexually assaulted each year and around 85,000
women and 12,000 men are raped each year in England and Wales – 11 rapes of
adults every hour10
 There are an estimated minimum of 11 million adult survivors of contact and noncontact sexual abuse in the UK11
 1 in 20 children have been sexually abused. Over 90% of sexually abused children
were abused by someone they knew12

Question 48

BAME

Answer 48

“BME women are disproportionately affected by different forms of abuse e.g. forced
marriage, “honour based” violence, FGM, sexual exploitation in the form of commercial sex
work, trafficking etc. the multiple vulnerabilities from these overlapping contexts makes it
harder for women to flee violence”14
Survivors may face additional barriers to seeking help, such as racial discrimination,
religious stereotyping, fear of community dishonour and rejection, and an insecure
immigration status, all of which may prevent them from accessing protection. Additionally,
survivors from ethnic minority communities are likely to have barriers to receiving, or asking
for, services, including:
 Lack of information and awareness about services and options due to language
barrier and lack of familiar community networks.
 Insecure immigration status and no recourse to public funds

 Involvement of family members in interpretation and support to access services that
defeats the purpose of confidentiality and elevates risks of harm.
 Pressures of socialisation and from family on the pretext of honour and shame. In
such cases, women fear that their experiences will not be validated in an alien,
mainstream context.
 Concerns around suitable cultural environment for praying, specific socio-religious
food habits and familiar environment for children in temporary accommodation.
 BME women not only fear the perpetrator, but racism and marginalisation in society
that undermines their confidence to lead an independent life.
 Fear of isolation and racism within a mainstream service.
 Increased likelihood that perpetrators use other forms as part of the abuse e.g.
threats of deportation and abandonment, isolation, entrapment, multiple interested
parties and violence condoned by family and community.

Question 49

BAME

Answer 49

“BME women are disproportionately affected by different forms of abuse e.g. forced
marriage, “honour based” violence, FGM, sexual exploitation in the form of commercial sex
work, trafficking etc. the multiple vulnerabilities from these overlapping contexts makes it
harder for women to flee violence”14
Survivors may face additional barriers to seeking help, such as racial discrimination,
religious stereotyping, fear of community dishonour and rejection, and an insecure
immigration status, all of which may prevent them from accessing protection. Additionally,
survivors from ethnic minority communities are likely to have barriers to receiving, or asking
for, services, including:
 Lack of information and awareness about services and options due to language
barrier and lack of familiar community networks.
 Insecure immigration status and no recourse to public funds

 Involvement of family members in interpretation and support to access services that
defeats the purpose of confidentiality and elevates risks of harm.
 Pressures of socialisation and from family on the pretext of honour and shame. In
such cases, women fear that their experiences will not be validated in an alien,
mainstream context.
 Concerns around suitable cultural environment for praying, specific socio-religious
food habits and familiar environment for children in temporary accommodation.
 BME women not only fear the perpetrator, but racism and marginalisation in society
that undermines their confidence to lead an independent life.
 Fear of isolation and racism within a mainstream service.
 Increased likelihood that perpetrators use other forms as part of the abuse e.g.
threats of deportation and abandonment, isolation, entrapment, multiple interested
parties and violence condoned by family and community
.Bawso is the lead organisation in Wales providing practical and emotional support to black minority ethnic (BME) and migrant victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, Female Genital Mutilation and forced marriage. Their Wales-wide Helpline can be contacted 24/7 on 0800 731 8147 and enquiries may be made via e-mail – info@bawso.org.uk.

Question 50

Disabled People

Answer 50

Disabled people experience disproportionately higher rates of domestic abuse and also
experience domestic abuse for longer periods of time, and more severe and frequent abuse
than non-disabled people. Disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic
violence as non-disabled women15 and they are likely to experience abuse over a longer
period of time and to suffer more abuse and injuries as result of abuse than disabled men

Question 51

Abuse and the workplace

Answer 51

Employees who suffer from violence against women, domestic abuse, or sexual violence
often have related performance issues or are absent from work, and perpetrators can often
target their victims in the workplace or seek to limit their access to work. A recent report
found that 52% of women had experienced sexual harassment at work including
inappropriate comments, unwanted behaviour or sexual advances17
. This has an impact on
the employer’s business activity as well as the employee’s wellbeing. Employers can
therefore play an important role in addressing these issues in their own workforce

Question 52

Sex Industry, Exploitation and Trafficking

Answer 52

Our priority in this context is public protection; people involved in prostitution can be
particularly vulnerable to sexual and other violent crime and may in fact be victims of child
sexual exploitation or modern slavery. We want to increase protection and access to
appropriate support services for this often vulnerable group and will work with the Wales
‘Sex Work Group’ to support the delivery of their work-plan; ensuring priorities and progress
contribute to discussions at the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual
Violence Advisory Group. ( welsh government)

Question 53

LGBT+

Answer 53

The Welsh Government funded research in 2014 which highlighted the barriers faced by
lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people when accessing domestic abuse and sexual
violence services. The report highlighted individual, interpersonal and structural and cultural
barriers and made a series of recommendations to improve accessibility to services,
including flexibility, confidential access and inclusivit

Question 54

Female Survivors who committ offences

Answer 54

offending behaviour. Statistically it is shown that women involved in the criminal justice
system are more likely to have experienced some form of abuse during their childhood, and
many also report that their offending was to support their partner or someone else’s
substance misuse.18
Women tend to have shorter sentences than men and they are more
likely to self-harm in custody. We are working with local areas and National Offender
Management Scheme (NOMS) in Wales to ensure a more effective joined-up approach to
addressing these women’s complex needs.
The Welsh Government works closely with NOMS and the secure estate to prevent men
and women from getting into the criminal justice system. However, there is much that can
be done in other areas, such as health, education, housing and social services, to help and
prevent people from getting into the criminal justice system in the first plac

Question 55

What practical help can the helpline offer?

Answer 55

We can listen, provide help and support, and give you information on a range of options and services in your area, designed to help meet your needs, including:

Emergency Accommodation
Counselling
Local support services
Welfare and Benefits Rights
Housing Issues
Legal Issues
Child Welfare
Perpetrator Programmes
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

Question 56

Confidentiality and the helpline

Answer 56

All calls are confidential. If it is necessary to share information with other agencies, this would only be done with your full consent. The exceptions to this are if your life was in immediate danger or if there was a child at risk. In these circumstances, the authorities would be informed to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your children.

Question 57

What is an at risk child?

Answer 57

A child at risk
Is experiencing or is at risk of abuse, neglect or other kinds of harm;
Has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs).

Question 58

What is an at risk child?

Answer 58

A child at risk
Is experiencing or is at risk of abuse, neglect or other kinds of harm;
Has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs).

It is important to note:

The use of the term ‘at risk’ means that actual abuse or neglect does not need to occur, rather early interventions to protect a child at risk should be considered to prevent actual harm, abuse and neglect;

The two conditions necessary to demonstrate a child is at risk of abuse or neglect ensures that protection is provided to those with care and support needs who also require actions to secure their safety in the future;

Risk of abuse or neglect may be the consequence of one concern or a result of cumulative factors.

Question 59

Awards

Answer 59

Live fear free helpline has been awarded the natioanlly recognised quality standard which dfines and accredits best practice in helpline work for third year running.

Question 60

Who is the live fear free helpline for?

Answer 60

The Live Fear Free Helpline is the National VAWDASV Helpline for Wales and provides information, advice and support to individuals who have experienced, or are concerned that someone they know may be experiencing, VAWDASV. The Helpline operates 24/7 and can be contacted via phone – 0808 80 10 800; text – 07860077333; e-mail – info@livefearfreehelpline.wales; or live chat.

Question 61

What is coercive control?

Answer 61

It is a criminal offence in England and Wales for someone to subject you to coercive control. Coercive control is when a person you are personally connected with repeatedly behaves in a way that makes you feel controlled, isolated or scared. This could include isolating you from friends and family, controlling your finances, monitoring what you do and where you go, putting you down and making you feel worthless or threatening to harm you, your child or your property. There is not a definitive list of behaviours, as the abuser will use various means to establish controlling or coercive behaviour.

Controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is defined in Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 as controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship which causes someone to fear that violence will be used against them on at least two occasions; or causes them serious alarm or distress which has a substantial adverse effect on their usual day-to-day activities

Question 62

How does co-ercive control affect children?

Answer 62

There is very limited research about the impact of coercive controlling behaviour on children and young people, however, in recent research Dr. Emma Katz outlined her key findings about the impact of coercive controlling behaviour:

children are victims/survivors of coercive control – they are harmed by it and can also act to resist it
in addition to safety, victims of coercive control need support to gain/regain their confidence and sense of empowerment – this applies to children as well as adult victims
as coercive control is increasingly recognised, children’s experiences of it must not be left invisible
like adult victims/survivors, children need safety from coercive control, help to recover from it, and justice for the crimes that have been committed against them

Question 63

WWA, Children and young people and domestic abuse

Answer 63

Our Children Matter project works to ensure the needs and experiences of children and young people impacted by domestic abuse are identified and met.

We aim to make sure that all children and young people understand domestic abuse and the help available, and that those affected by domestic abuse are identified, supported and protected, have access to high-quality specialist services in every area, and are supported to recover from the abuse to develop their full potential.

We do this by promoting education and community approaches to prevention and early intervention, challenging inequality between girls and boys, improving safety and minimising the immediate and future impact on children and young people of witnessing or experiencing violence and abuse.

Our work includes:

prevention work in schools and communities to minimise adverse childhood experiences
promoting the need for dedicated support for children and young people affected by abuse and rolling out models of good practice
giving children and young people a voice to make sure their experiences influence and inform legislation, policy and practice, and
supporting and influencing the way services and partnerships respond to children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
Children Matter and S.T.A.R Suite of Services

We provide a range of resources, training and support for professionals working with children and young people across Wales. These services include:

S.T.A.R (Safety, Trust and Respect) suite of services – a suite of early intervention and prevention services and group programmes for all ages up to 25 years.
advice, information and guidance to enable professionals
training for practitioners working with children and young people

Question 64

How does WWA define their company culture?

Answer 64

Our culture is one of mutual respect, creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Our approach is practical and we offer flexible arrangements and healthy work patterns to meet individual circumstances.

We give our employees room to grow as well. There are opportunities to work shadow other areas of the business, get involved in events, and gain additional skills.

Welsh Women’s Aid is the umbrella membership organisation in Wales that supports and provides national representation for third sector specialist services working to end domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of violence against women.

Question 65

WWA- Values statement

Answer 65

We are feminist and value diversity of lived experiences – we amplify diverse voices, recognising
that identities and life experience impact on experiences of abuse and access to support, safety and
justice. We advocate ending violence against women and girls alongside the liberation of all women
and girls from multiple oppressions like sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, ageism, ableism,
transphobia, to attain social justice for all.
We promote integrity – we are accountable, and place survivors’ voices and their lived experiences
central to our work. We encourage respect, transparency and learning from experience, we
challenge misuse of power and promote social responsibility in all we do.
We collaborate – we work with survivors, specialist services, other organisations, individuals and
communities, to capacity-build services and to evidence and deliver what works in preventing
violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
We empower – we advocate a rights-based approach so that all women and children can achieve
their full potential, and we promote services led by and for women/minoritised groups as being
vital to meeting needs and to achieving social, economic and political liberation from patriarchy,
racism, and other oppressions.
We transform – we are committed to challenging inequalities and discrimination, to combining
high-quality services with activism for social change, and building a movement that ends violence
against women and girls and liberates women and girls from multiple and intersecting oppressions
to benefit everyone.

Question 66

EBP- Gender biased violence

Answer 66

Our approach is informed by evidence that women and girls, and men and boys, experience and
perpetrate violence and abuse differently. The sex and gender of victim and perpetrator influences
the nature of the abuse, its severity, harm, and lethality. Women and girls, in particular, experience
abuse and regulation in everyday lives at higher rates, and it is men across all groups that are more
likely to perpetrate abuse against women, men and children.
Violence happens in same-sex relationships and against trans people, and women also use violence.
So, we are committed to anti-discriminatory practice and to achieving safety, support, protection
and justice for all women and girls, men and boys, and for trans people. Our transgender policy
commits to supporting the realisation of rights for trans people, and the delivery of trans inclusive
services and support.

Question 67

Evidence of single sex spaces

Answer 67

We support evidence of the importance of single-sex spaces and services that benefit women
(endorsed by exemptions under the Equality Act 2010), and the need for services designed,
delivered and led ‘by and for’ women, Black and minoritised women and other groups. Evidence
shows ‘by and for’ services best meet support needs and also contribute to social, economic and
political liberation from patriarchy, racism, and other oppressions.

Question 68

Who can committ domestic abuse?

Answer 68

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as any incident or pattern of incidents between those aged 16 years or over who:

are a partner

are an ex-partner

are a relative

have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child

Question 69

Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Answer 69

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 outlines the following behaviours as abuse:

physical or sexual abuse

violent or threatening behaviour

controlling or coercive behaviour

economic abuse

psychological, emotional, or other abuse

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children under the age of 18 years who see, or hear, or experience the effects of the abuse as a victim of domestic abuse if they are related or have a parental relationship to the adult victim or perpetrator of the abuse.

Question 70

Helplines

Answer 70

Helpline
A helpline is a telephone service that offers information, advice or support to callers about particular issues. A domestic abuse helpline offers these services to victims of domestic abuse and their families, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf. Local, community-based helplines are distinct from the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Many survivors may speak to both services, as the national helpline provides referrals to services in their local area, alongside refuge referrals, emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning, and information on rights and options.

Question 71

MARAC

Answer 71

Multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs)
A multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC) is a meeting where information is shared on the highest-risk domestic abuse cases between representatives from a range of agencies. After sharing all relevant information about the circumstances for a particular victim, the representatives discuss options for increasing the victim’s safety and turn these into a coordinated action plan.

Question 72

Recent trend stats

Answer 72

The number of police recorded domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales rose 6% in the year ending March 2021 to 845,734; this follows increases seen in previous years and may reflect improved recording by the police alongside increased reporting by victims.

The police made 33 arrests per 100 domestic abuse-related crimes in the year ending March 2021; the same as in the previous year (in the 38 police forces that supplied complete data in both years).

Referrals of suspects of domestic abuse-flagged cases from the police to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for a charging decision decreased by 3%, from 79,965 in the year ending March 2020 to 77,812 in the year ending March 2021.

For the third successive year, the CPS charging rate for domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales decreased to 70% in the year ending March 2021, down from 76% in the year ending March 2018.

Demand on domestic abuse helplines increased in the year ending March 2021 with a 22% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in England; this is not necessarily indicative of an increase in the number of victims, but perhaps an increase in the severity of abuse being experienced, and a lack of available coping mechanisms.

The number of cases discussed per 10,000 adult females at multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs) rose to 46 compared with 43 in the previous year.

Question 73

Victim profiles

Answer 73

The victim was female in 73% of domestic abuse-related crimes in the year ending March 2021, similar to 74% in the previous year.

In the year ending March 2021, the highest proportion of female victims of violence against the person offences, identified as domestic abuse-related, were aged 30 to 34 years, whereas male victims were generally older with the highest proportion of victims aged 75 years and over.

The rate of domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales slightly increased from 13 per 1,000 population in the year ending March 2020 to 14 per 1,000 population in the year ending March 2021; this likely reflects improved police recording practices, not necessarily an increase in victims.

Between the year ending March 2018 and March 2020, 76% of victims of domestic homicide were female, and 14% of victims of non-domestic homicide were female.

Nearly one in five victims of domestic homicide (18%) were aged 70 years and over; in contrast, 1 in 20 victims of non-domestic homicide (5%) were aged 70 years and over, with the highest proportion of victims being from the younger age groups.

Question 74

Safe Lives DASH risk assessment

Answer 74

SafeLives Dash risk checklist for use by Idvas and other non-police agencies2
for identification of risks when domestic abuse, ‘honour’- based violence and/or
stalking are disclosed

Question 75

Safety Plan

Answer 75

A personal safety plan is a way of helping you to protect yourself and your
children. It helps you plan in advance for the possibility of future violence and
abuse. It also helps you to think about how you can increase your safety
either within the relationship, or if you decide to leave.

Question 76

Legal Options

Answer 76

Whether or not you decide you want to leave your partner, you have a right to
be protected under the law, and there are a number of legal options open to
you, under both the criminal law and the civil law. The two systems are
separate and are administered by separate courts:
 The civil law is primarily aimed at protection (or in some cases
compensation.) A survivor of domestic violence can make an
application for an injunction (a court order) either to the family
proceedings court or the county court (usually through her solicitor).
Other family proceedings – such as child contact or divorce - also take
place in the county court.
 The criminal law is primarily aimed at punishing the offender. The
police together with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initiate the
process. Criminal cases are heard in either the magistrates’ court or
the Crown Court depending on the severity of the charge.

Question 77

Legal Rights

Answer 77

These are some of the legal options you have:

You have rights under the criminal law. Being assaulted by someone you know or live with is just as much a crime as violence from a stranger, and often more dangerous. See police and the criminal prosecution process for more information.
You can apply for a civil court order to tell your abuser to stop harassing or hurting you, or to keep out of or away from your home. See getting an injunction for information on these options.
You can get help with emergency or temporary accommodation.
The law can also help to protect children. You can apply to the Family Courts for an order specifying where and with whom the children should live, and regulating contact with the other parent.
Domestic abuse is dealt with both under the criminal law

Question 78

Housing

Emergency Accomodation

Answer 78

You are considered homeless if you are unable to stay in your home because
of a risk of violence or abuse. Your local authority (council) housing
department has a legal duty to provide you with advice about finding
somewhere to live if you are homeless because of domestic violence - and
they should also provide temporary accommodation for you. They may also
eventually provide permanent accommodation; (see below, Obtaining
permanent accommodation).
You can apply for emergency or temporary accommodation while you decide
what to do next; leaving home temporarily will not affect your right to return, or
your tenancy rights or ownership of the home. You have the same rights to
emergency accommodation whether you rent your home from the council,
from a private landlord or a housing association, or if you own your own
home.
Do not need to provide evidence of abuse
They cannot force you back home even if the abuser has left

Question 79

Obtaining Permanent Accomodation

Answer 79

Provision of temporary accommodation does not guarantee that the local
authority will re-house you permanently. Every council has procedures for
deciding priorities in the allocation of housing, and you will probably need to
be accepted on to your local authority’s Housing Register before you can be
re-housed

People who are vulnerable as a result of domestic violence, or who have left
home because of harassment or threats of violence from outside the home,
are specifically mentioned in the Guidance accompanying the 2002
Homelessness Act. The council may therefore agree to re-house you even if
you don’t fit into the other categories of priority need. When making their
decision, they should take into account the impact and likely effects of the
ongoing abuse on your physical and mental health, including the cumulative
impact of serious harassment. They should also take into consideration
supporting information from friends, relatives, and other agencies, with your
agreement.

Question 80

Occupation Order

Answer 80

ou could apply to get an occupation order (to exclude your partner or
ex-partner from the property and to give you the right to live there)

Question 81

Benefits

Answer 81

There are various types of benefits that you may be entitled to, even if you are
working. Some benefits are based on previous National Insurance
contributions, and are called “contributory” benefits; these include non-means
tested Job Seeker’s Allowance. Other benefits - such as Child Benefit, and
Disability Living Allowance - are “non-contributory” and paid to all those who
meet the appropriate criteria and who have been living legally in the UK for a
certain period of time. Finally, some benefits - such as Income Support and
income-related Job Seeker’s Allowance - are means tested, and are based on
the level of your income and your savings

Question 82

Lump sum benefit payments

Answer 82

Crisis loan
This may be available from Job Centre Plus (previously the Benefits Agency)
if you have been left without money due to disaster or other unforeseen
circumstances, or you are waiting for earnings or benefits to come through.
You do not have to be on benefits to apply; however you will need to provide
evidence to support your request. You will only get a Crisis Loan if it is judged
to be the only way of preventing serious risk to your health or safety, or that of
your children.
 Community Care Grant
The Survivor’s Handbook, Women’s Aid Federation of England, 2005. Revised 2009.
Please note - the Survivor’s Handbook was last updated in June 2009. Women’s Aid cannot be held responsible for
any changes which may have taken place after this date. Women’s Aid periodically updates the Survivor’s Handbook.
Please check out website to check for a more up to date version: www.womensaid.org.uk
 Copyright Women’s Aid Federation of England 2005 all rights reserved. Revised Jun 09.
Community Care Grants help people who are getting Income Support or
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (see above). They cover a wide range
of personal circumstances and needs, and are intended ease exceptional
pressure on families and specifically to help people live independently in the
community after leaving “institutional” care. You may be able to claim this if
you have been left without essential household items, for example bedding or
cooking utensils - particularly if you have spent some time in refuge
accommodation or a homeless hostel. Community Care grants do not have to
be paid back.
 Social Fund Budgeting Loan
This is an interest free loan, which may enable you to spread the cost of large
items – e.g. furniture, household equipment or clothing, or for paying removal
expenses or rent in advance when you move to a new home. It is available to
those claiming Income Support or income-related Job Seeker’s Allowance.

Question 83

Debt

Answer 83

Many women find that their abusive partners have left them with debts.
Legally, if a debt is in your name, you are responsible for paying it off; and if
you have loans or credit agreements in joint names then you may also still
have a responsibility for any outstanding debt, regardless of what the money
was spent on, and who initiated it. If you have been left with arrears of rent or
mortgage, these are particularly important to sort out, as your home may be at
risk. If you had a joint tenancy with your abusive partner, both of you are
legally liable for the arrears; however, if the tenancy was with a council or
housing association, they may accept that - because of the abuse - you were
not in control of the household budget and therefore unable to pay the rent at
the time.

Question 84

Getting an injunction

Answer 84

You could try to gain some protection from your abuser by applying for a civil
injunction or protection order. An injunction is a court order that requires
someone to do or not to do something. There are two main types of
injunctions available under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996:
 a non-molestation order
 an occupation order
A non-molestation order is aimed at preventing your partner or ex-partner
from using or threatening violence against you or your child, or intimidating,
harassing or pestering you, in order to ensure your health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and your children.
An occupation order regulates who can live in the family home, and can also
restrict your abuser from entering the surrounding area. If you do not feel
safe continuing to live with your partner, or if you have left home because of
violence, but want to return and exclude your abuser, you may want to apply
for an occupation order.
Under new legislation, a breach of a non-molestation order is now a criminal
offence; however, you should still be able to take your abuser back to the civil
court for breaking the order, if you prefer this. If you already have an
injunction, you may have a power of arrest attached, and you can also have
powers of arrest attached to an occupation order. These powers come into
effect if your abuser breaks the order (see below, Powers of arrest.)
While getting a court order may provide some protection, it isn’t always
helpful: sometimes it makes very

Question 85

Getting an injunction continued

Answer 85

If you are not eligible to apply for an order under the Family Law Act, or if you
are being continually harassed, threatened, pestered or “stalked” after a
relationship has ended, you can also get civil injunctions under the Protection
from Harassment Act 1997. R

Question 86

Funding for legal action

Answer 86

You may be eligible for public funding (Community Legal Services funding, or
legal aid) to pay your legal costs, if you are claiming welfare benefits, or are
on a low (or no) income and have little or no savings. (Your partner’s or
husband’s income is not taken into account if you are taking legal action
against him.) See below: Funding for legal action.

Question 87

Effects of domestic violence on children?

Answer 87

They may become anxious or depressed.
 They may have difficulty sleeping.

3 Section 120 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which came into effect on
January 31st 2005.
The Survivor’s Handbook, Women’s Aid Federation of England, 2005. Revised 2009.
Please note - the Survivor’s Handbook was last updated in June 2009. Women’s Aid cannot be held responsible for
any changes which may have taken place after this date. Women’s Aid periodically updates the Survivor’s Handbook.
Please check out website to check for a more up to date version: www.womensaid.org.uk
 Copyright Women’s Aid Federation of England 2005 all rights reserved. Revised Jun 09.
 They may have nightmares or flashbacks.
 They may complain of physical symptoms such as tummy aches.
 They may start to wet their bed.
 They may have temper tantrums.
 They may behave as though they are much younger than they are.
 They may have problems at school, or may start truanting.
 They may become aggressive.
 They may internalise their distress and withdraw from other people.
 They may have a lowered sense of self-worth.
 Older children may start to use alcohol or drugs.
 They may begin to self-harm by taking overdoses or cutting
themselves.
 They may develop an eating disorder.

Question 88

When children are also being abused…

Answer 88

Research has consistently shown that a high proportion of children living with
domestic violence are themselves being abused – either physically or sexually
- by the same perpetrator. Estimates vary from 30% to 66% depending upon
the study. Nearly three-quarters of children on the “at risk” register live in
households where domestic violence is occurring. (Department of Health
figures – see below for references.)
The Survivor’s Handbook, Women’s Aid Federation of England, 2005. Revised 2009.
Please note - the Survivor’s Handbook was last updated in June 2009. Women’s Aid cannot be held responsible for
any changes which may have taken place after this date. Women’s Aid periodically updates the Survivor’s Handbook.
Please check out website to check for a more up to date version: www.womensaid.org.uk
 Copyright Women’s Aid Federation of England 2005 all rights reserved. Revised Jun 09.
Men who are abusive to women do not necessarily abuse children too, but
some of them do. If you suspect that this is happening, or that it has
happened, it is important that you raise this issue with your children and take
steps to protect them, for example, by seeking advice from Women’s Aid or
another domestic violence organisation, or from social services or other
agencies who are there to assist and protect children. Social workers will not
take your children away if they can work with you to make sure they are safe.

Question 89

Women’s Aid website for children and young people

Answer 89

The Hideout

Question 90

How to help children

Answer 90

Some mothers and children use silence or denial to try to cope with the
abuse. But most children appreciate an opportunity to acknowledge the
violence, and to talk about what they are feeling. Do talk to your children -
and listen to them. Try to be honest about the situation, without frightening
them. Reassure them that the violence is not their fault and that they are not
responsible for adult behaviour. Explain to them that violence is wrong and
that it does not solve problems. Remember, your children will naturally trust
you - try not to break that trust by directly lying to them.

Question 91

Contact with the other parent

Answer 91

When a parent applies for contact with his (or her) children, under the
Children Act 1989, this will almost always be granted. One fundamental
principle of the legislation is that the child’s welfare should be paramount –
and in most cases, this is assumed to be upheld by maintaining his or her
contact with both parents: in 2003, only 601 out of 67,184 contact
applications (less than 1%) were refused. The courts fail, in many cases, to
take domestic violence seriously, despite the introduction in April 2001 of
Good Practice Guidelines recommending that the dangers are highlighted at
an early stage in the proceedings, so that the safety of the child and the
resident parent is secured before, during and after contact visits.
When courts have ordered contact with an abusive parent, in three-quarters of
cases, the children suffered further abuse. Some children have even been
ordered to have contact with a parent who has committed offences against
children. In some cases, children have even been killed as a result of contact
or residence arrangements4. There are also many cases in which an abusing
parent has used a contact visit to trace the mother’s whereabouts, or to
assault or otherwise abuse her further.

Question 92

Contact Orders

Answer 92

Sometimes the judge may decide that contact should – at least initially – be
supervised; and sometimes s/he will order indirect contact only – that is,
letters, cards or gifts but no face to face meetings. Contact may be arranged
at a contact centre, where your ex-partner will be able to spend time with your
children, and you will be able to hand them over to the staff without meeting
him. Most contact centres are run by volunteers who provide “supported”
contact for several families simultaneously, but only a minority are able to
provide supervision continuously. If yours is a “high risk” case – that is, there
is a serious risk of your children being abused or abducted while having
contact with their father – your solicitor should ask for supervised contact, so
that visits can be supervised individually.
If you do not comply with a contact order, you will be in contempt of court, and
may be threatened with sanctions, which can include: fines, withdrawal of
legal aid (if you have it), transfer of residence to your ex-partner, or even
imprisonment.

Question 93

Insecure Immigration Status

Answer 93

If you have insecure immigration status, you are still entitled to protection from
domestic violence, just like anyone else in the UK. Your abuser will also be
subject to the same sanctions as anyone else, whatever his or her
immigration status.

Question 94

Did you come to the UK to marry or join your partner?

Answer 94

If you came to the UK in order to marry or join your partner who is already
settled here, current immigration rules state that you have to complete a two
year probationary period - during which time you must stay with your partner -
before you can make an application for indefinite leave to remain in this
country.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, your abuser (and/or his family) may
use your insecure immigration status to abuse you further. He may have
taken your passport and other documents from you, denied you any
information about your rights, and isolated you from outside contacts. Even if
you have completed the two year probationary period, you may never have
had your immigration status confirmed because you have been kept unaware
of the procedures. Furthermore, you may be afraid of reporting the abuse to
anyone, or to leave your home, in case you are deported.
If you are subject to immigration control, you will also be unable to claim most
state benefits – including Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing
Benefit, homelessness assistance, Child Benefit, disability allowances or
Working Families Tax Credit. This is known as having “no recourse to public
funds”. Therefore you will almost certainly be reliant on your husband, partner
or family to support you, and so you will be even more dependent on them.
See below, If you have no recourse to public funds, for more information,
and some alternative sources of support.

Question 95

Domestic Violence and the Immigration Rule

Answer 95

Domestic violence and the Immigration Rule
If you are a survivor of domestic violence and can produce clear evidence of
this, and are also subject to the two-year probationary period, you may be
The Survivor’s Handbook, Women’s Aid Federation of England, 2005. Revised 2009.
Please note - the Survivor’s Handbook was last updated in June 2009. Women’s Aid cannot be held responsible for
any changes which may have taken place after this date. Women’s Aid periodically updates the Survivor’s Handbook.
Please check out website to check for a more up to date version: www.womensaid.org.uk
 Copyright Women’s Aid Federation of England 2005 all rights reserved. Revised Jun 09.
able to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK5. To qualify for leave to
remain in the UK as a victim of domestic violence, you have to show all the
following:
 you have been given limited leave to enter or remain in the UK as the
spouse or partner of someone already settled here;
 you are still subject to the two year probationary period;
 domestic violence occurred during this probationary period;
 you are no longer living with your partner (i.e. your “sponsor”);
 domestic violence was the reason for the breakdown of this
relationship

Question 96

Immigration- clear evidence needed

Answer 96

You must also have clear evidence of domestic violence supported by one of
the following forms of ”proof”:
 a non-molestation order or other protection order;
 a relevant court conviction against your partner;
 full details of a relevant police caution.
If none of the above is available, however, then you will need to produce two
or more of the following:
 a letter from a refuge organisation or other domestic violence service
confirming your experience of domestic violence;
 a medical report from a hospital doctor confirming that you have
injuries consistent with being the victim of domestic violence;
 a letter from a GP who has examined you and is satisfied you have
injuries consistent with being the victim of domestic violence;
 an undertaking given to a court that your abuser will not approach you;
 a police report confirming their attendance at your home due to
domestic violence;
 a letter from social services confirming their involvement in connection
with domestic violence.

Question 97

Immigration- finances if you have no recourse to public funds ( benefits)

Answer 97

unding is available through
Supporting People to allow women with insecure immigration status and who
are experiencing domestic violence to access “housing related support” either
in a refuge or other temporary accommodation, or in the community (through
“floating support”.) However, this only covers the cost of support staff and
does not cover the rent charged in refuges or other temporary
accommodation, nor does it provide you and your children with any living
expenses.
Local authorities do have a statutory power under the Children Act 1989 to
ensure that children “in need” or “at risk of significant harm,” are adequately
fed, housed and cared for. Some local authorities may use this provision to
pay for you to stay with your children in refuge accommodation; whereas
others may simply take the children into local authority care. Also, following
an amendment in December 1999, you will not be able to get this assistance if
you are eligible for support under the asylum provisions. (See above.)
Local authorities also have the power under section 21 of the National
Assistance Act 1948 to assist victims of domestic violence, but - for those
The Survivor’s Handbook, Women’s Aid Federation of England, 2005. Revised 2009.
Please note - the Survivor’s Handbook was last updated in June 2009. Women’s Aid cannot be held responsible for
any changes which may have taken place after this date. Women’s Aid periodically updates the Survivor’s Handbook.
Please check out website to check for a more up to date version: www.womensaid.org.uk
 Copyright Women’s Aid Federation of England 2005 all rights reserved. Revised Jun 09.
subject to immigration controls - only if they are particularly vulnerable, or
have additional special needs8; and again this is subject to local discretion.
Women’s Aid’s “Last Resort Fund” – which provided financial assistance for
up to 8 weeks for women experiencing domestic violence and who had no
recourse to public funds – is currently suspended due to lack of money.
Some refuge organisations will provide you with accommodation and support
even if you have no recourse to public funds, though they will have to cover
the costs from their own reserves, and therefore may have to place limits on
the number of women in this situation that they can take at any one time.
Some domestic violence organisations have workers or volunteers who speak
a variety of languages, or they may have access to Language Line. There are
also a number of specialist services for women from black and minority ethnic
communities, where you may be able to get support from women from the
same ethnic, cultural or religious group as yourself.

Question 98

Mental health and survivor stats

Answer 98

ome statistics
 Abused women are at least three times more likely to experience
depression or anxiety disorders than other women.
 One third of all female suicide attempts and half of those by black and
ethnic minority women can be attributed to past or current experiences
of domestic violence.
 Women who use mental health services are much more likely to have
experienced domestic violence than women in the general population.
 70% women psychiatric in-patients and 80% of those in secure settings
have histories of physical or sexual abuse.
 Children who live with domestic violence are at increased risk of
behavioural problems and emotional trauma, and mental health
difficulties in adult life. (See the section on Children for more
information.)
An audit in Greenwich found that 60% of mental health service users had
experienced domestic violence. Another survey of women using mental
health services in Leeds, found that half of them had experienced domestic
violence and a further quarter had suffered sexual abuse.

Question 99

Mental health and being a survivor- stigma from professionals

Answer 99

They may not believe you when you disclose abuse.
 They may see you only when your partner is present.
 They may accept your partner’s account at face value.
 They may feel sympathy for your partner - “After all he has had to put
up with” - or blame you for the abuse.
 They may judge you (particularly if you are self harming or have
attempted suicide, or if you use alcohol or drugs).

Question 100

Problems with mental health services

Answer 100

Despite the frequent overlap between domestic violence and mental ill health,
mental health professionals seem generally to ignore the issue of abuse.
They are unlikely to ask you about it - and may therefore be unaware of it;
and you yourself may feel unable to disclose the abuse to your GP, or - if you
have one - to your community psychiatric nurse (CPN) or your psychiatrist.
So you may find that the reasons for your depression or other difficulties are
ignored. You may feel blamed for the abuse. And you are very likely simply
to be offered medication - such as tranquillisers, anti-depressants or sleeping
pills - instead of being given an opportunity to talk about what is happening or
has happened to you.

Question 101

seeking help if you misuse alcohol or drugs

Answer 101

If you use or misuse alcohol or drugs, you will be in a particularly vulnerable
position, and are likely to find it even harder to report domestic violence than

10 See references at the end of this section.
The Survivor’s Handbook, Women’s Aid Federation of England, 2005. Revised 2009.
Please note - the Survivor’s Handbook was last updated in June 2009. Women’s Aid cannot be held responsible for
any changes which may have taken place after this date. Women’s Aid periodically updates the Survivor’s Handbook.
Please check out website to check for a more up to date version: www.womensaid.org.uk
 Copyright Women’s Aid Federation of England 2005 all rights reserved. Revised Jun 09.
other women. You are likely to suffer from a sense of shame because of the
stigma of being an “alcoholic” or a “drug addict” and you may feel even more
powerless. If you have children, you might also be afraid of your children
being taken away – and your partner might hold this as threat over you, to
prevent your approaching anyone for help.
If you do seek help, the response of the service providers may be
unsatisfactory. They may blame you for the abuse you are experiencing.
Some service providers will see your substance use as the main problem, and
insist on your entering treatment first, without any consideration for your
safety, or the likely ineffectiveness of treatment while you remain with your
abuser. You may also be told that no suitable services are available. There is
a widespread belief among those working in statutory services - such as the
police, the health service, or social services - that Women’s Aid and other
domestic violence services do not help women who misuse substances.
It is true that some refuge organisations may be unable offer accommodation
to women who use alcohol or drugs, or they may expect you to be in a
recognised treatment programme before they will take you. However, other
refuge organisations will be able to accommodate you - and all domestic
violence services should be able to find you somewhere else to go, and offer
you support and advice about other options available to you.

Question 102

Dometic violence and substance misuse stats

Answer 102

Women experiencing domestic violence are up to fifteen times more
likely to misuse alcohol than women generally.
 Women who report domestic violence are up to nine times more likely
to misuse drugs (including prescription drugs) than other women.
 42% of Asian women who seek treatment for alcohol misuse are
experiencing domestic violence.
 Between 50% and 90% of women attending substance misuse
services may have experienced abuse, either in childhood or adult life,
or both

Question 103

seeking treatment for substance misuse- problems and things to consider

Answer 103

If you are unhappy about your use of alcohol or drugs, and want to stop using
substances or cut back, it is often difficult to find appropriate treatment
services.
Specialist drug and alcohol service providers tend to focus on detoxification
and rehabilitation, without looking at the situation – including ongoing abuse -
which might have led you to become dependent on substances. Their models
of treatment have traditionally been based on the needs of male users, and
they often use a “disease model” of addiction, which emphasises illness over
strengths, and will tend to lower your self-esteem even further. Sometimes
The Survivor’s Handbook, Women’s Aid Federation of England, 2005. Revised 2009.
Please note - the Survivor’s Handbook was last updated in June 2009. Women’s Aid cannot be held responsible for
any changes which may have taken place after this date. Women’s Aid periodically updates the Survivor’s Handbook.
Please check out website to check for a more up to date version: www.womensaid.org.uk
 Copyright Women’s Aid Federation of England 2005 all rights reserved. Revised Jun 09.
you will be expected to join a mixed-sex counselling group, in which you are
unlikely to feel safe talking about the abuse you have experienced.
If you are using substances to help you cope with domestic violence, it may
not be helpful if you are expected to stop doing this straight away; and if you
seek treatment for your substance misuse while you are still with your abusive
partner, he may become even more abusive towards you. Because
awareness of domestic violence issues is generally low among alcohol and
drug treatment services, they may ignore or downplay safety issues of this
kind.
In some areas, however, provision is gradually improving. Links are being
made between drug and alcohol services and domestic violence services; and
some drug and alcohol services have a Women’s Worker or a Domestic
Violence Worker. If you want to find a woman-friendly substance misuse
treatment service, your local refuge organisation may be able to help; or see
the Further information section below.

Question 104

safeguardingg vulnerable adults

Answer 104

f an
adult with care and support needs (such as a disability) is suspected to be
at risk of any form of abuse or neglect, the local authority must make
enquiries and take steps to protect them. This includes working with other
agencies such as health and the police, and providing independent
advocacy when it is needed.