2. Domestic Abuse Overview in Medway By Deborah Simpson Medway Domestic Abuse Coordinator

3. Definition of DA From March 2013 “ Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: Psychological, Physical, Sexual, Financial, Emotional ”

4. ‘Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. ‘Coercive behaviour 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 their victim.” * Definition of DA

5. Types of abuse…. Psychological Verbal Physical Sexual Financial Emotional Harassment Stalking Isolation Threats / Coercive control………..

6. Statistics Buster.. 2 women are killed each week by a current or ex partner On average a woman experiences 35 incidents of abuse before contacting the police 750,000 children a year (estimate) witness Domestic Abuse 52.6 % of children in Medway are on a Child Protection Plan where Domestic Abuse is a cause for concern (qtr 3 13/14) 30% of Domestic Violence starts in Pregnancy 40% of teenagers are in abusive dating relationships Domestic Abuse cost society in £15.7 billion a year (2008)

7. Domestic abuse in Kent and Medway 53% of harassment offences were domestic abuse related (558 of 1,043). 10% of sexual offences were domestic abuse related (188 of 1,803) For every 100 domestic abuse crimes recorded in Kent and Medway there were 89 arrests. Kent and Medway recorded 9,010 domestic crimes August 2012-August 2013

8. What are the signs of domestic violence? Destructive Criticism and verbal abuse Pressure Tactics Disrespect Denial Isolation Harassment Threats Sexual Violence Physical Violence

9. High risk factors 1.Victims perception of risk of harm 2.Separation (child contact) 3.Pregnancy/new birth (Under 18 Month old) 4.Escalation 5.Community Issues.Isolation 6.Stalking 7.Sexual assault 8.Strangulation (choking/suffocation/drowning) 9.Credible threats to kill 10.Use of weapons 11.Controlling and/or excessive jealous behaviour 12.Child abuse 13.Animal/Pets abuse 14.Alcohol/Drugs/Mental Health 15.Suicide-Homicide

10. Safe Enquiry Victim unlikely to disclose unless asked directly Ensuring potential perp is not and will not easily become aware of the enquiry Engagement skills are critical CAADA DASH risk assessment

11. Safe Enquiry Direct Questions Has anyone close to you made you feel frightened? Does anyone bully you, control you or force you to do things? Ever hurt you, slapped you, choked you or threatened you in any way?

12. Supporting families where Domestic Abuse has taken place. What do survivors of domestic abuse want? –To be believed, taken seriously and respected. –A single person or agency to get help from so that they don’t have to keep repeating intimate details of abuse. –Support to cope with the effects of abuse on their children.

13. YPVA Young People’s Violence Advocate 13 – 17 yr olds experiencing intimate partner violence, including: Domestic abuse CSE Online Cyber Abuse Honour Based Violence Forced Marriage Gang Violence

14. Resources for teenagers www.thehideout.org.uk www.thisisabuse.co.uk www.domesticabuseservices.org. uk www.thinkuknow.co.uk www.dayprogramme.org.uk www.womensaid.org.uk

16. Services in Medway Domestic Abuse Website Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) 0800 917 9948 Young Peoples Violence Advisor DA Helpline for professionals and victims Freedom Programme DAY Programme Sanctuary Scheme Medway PSP

17. Services in Medway Medway One Stop Shop Specialised Safeguarding Leads Medway Domestic Abuse Coordinator (professionals) MARAC for High Risk Victims of DA (professionals) DA Champions Network Refuges / Floating Support DACY Programme Medway Domestic Abuse Forum

18. Resources www.womensaid.org.uk www.menadviceline.org.uk www.respect.uk.net www.ncdv.org.uk www.broken-rainbow.org.uk www.stalkinghelpline.org National Domestic Violence Helplines –0808 2000 247, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

19. Resources www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk www.mscb.org.uk www.thehideout.org.uk www.thisisabuse.co.uk www.dayprogramme.org www.freedomprogramme.co.uk www.expectrespect.com www.safelives.org.uk marac.medway@kent.pnn.police.uk

21. Any Questions?? Deborah Simpson Medway Domestic Abuse Coordinator 01364 333513 Deborah.simpson@medway.gov.uk