Domestic Abuse

Each year nearly 2 million people in the UK suffer some form of Domestic Abuse. It is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience Domestic Abuse during their lifetime. On average, older victims experience abuse for twice as long before seeking help than those under age 61 and are much more likely to experience abuse from an adult family member (Safelives, 2021). 

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic Abuse, or Domestic Violence, is defined across Government as any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behavior, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

Who is Considered a Family Member?

Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents whether directly related, in-laws or step-family. However, this is not an exhaustive list and may also be extended to uncles, aunts and cousins or other relative.

What are the Types of Domestic Abuse?

‘Domestic Abuse’ covers a range of types of abuse, including, but not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. ‘Domestic abuse’ can be prosecuted under a range of offences and the term is used to describe a range of controlling and coercive behavior’s, used by one person to maintain control over another with whom they have, or have had, an intimate or family relationship.

The ‘domestic’ nature of the offending behavior is an aggravating factor because of the abuse of trust involved.

Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off incident and is the cumulative and interlinked types of abuse that have a particularly damaging effect on the victim. 

Who Faces Abuse?

Men, women and children can all be victims of Domestic Abuse. Domestic abuse occurs amongst people of all ethnicities, sexualities, ages, disabilities, immigration status, religions or beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds. It is recognised that domestic abuse differs in severity between incidents, and more often than not, will increase in frequency and seriousness, having a cumulative impact on the victim.

The definition includes so-called 'honour' based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage (see below), and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group. Perpetrators of this type of Domestic Abuse will often attempt to justify their actions as family honour, culture or traditions.

Domestic Abuse Services in Broxtowe

Don’t suffer in silence – there are services and support available to women, men and families affected by Domestic Abuse.

If you are ever in immediate danger, please call the police on 999.

National sources of help and advice with domestic abuse and signposting

• If you are experiencing violence or abuse in a same-sex relationship you can call Broken Rainbow on 0300 999 5428 (National Helpline)

• Forced Marriage Unit - Phone +44 (0) 20 7008 0151

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Housing Options and Homelessness

Call Broxtowe Council’s Housing Options Team on 0115 917 7777 for further information.

If you think you need leave your home following a high risk incident or to escape Domestic Abuse, contact the options team who can assist with access to SAFE accommodation if you fit the eligibility criteria. Survivors of Domestic Abuse are entitled to be given priority need to allow access to Refuge or other SAFE accommodation. This could also mean remaining in your current home with additional physical security measures to assist with maintaining your safety by intervention from Broxtowe’s Sanctuary Scheme.

The Sanctuary Scheme is provided to survivors who wish to remain in their current property and it is deemed safe enough for the household to do so. Support/health professionals, police or other agencies can refer to the scheme where a risk assessment has also been completed to establish the suitability of remaining at the property. Following a successful telephone assessment, the property is then visited by the Sanctuary Scheme assessor, who will establish which security interventions are relevant for your circumstances and your property. We aim to fully complete works in a short timeframe.

Do not make a decision to give up your home permanently until you have spoken to an adviser and considered all your options.

You can apply to our Housing Options Team as a homeless person if you cannot stay in your home. The council has to give you advice about finding somewhere to live. Some people are entitled to emergency accommodation and in cases of domestic abuse we would look to find suitable accommodation where the adequate support is available. If the council has a duty to find you somewhere to live, you will be asked to provide details of your situation and additional risk assessments would take place to establish safe areas for re-accommodation.  You may be asked for supporting evidence, which could include details and dates of incidents. You can take a friend or an adviser with you for support.

The Housing Options service confirms whatever you discuss with the service will always remain completely confidential.

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Make A Stand

The Council has signed the Chartered Institute of Housing’s pledge to “Make a Stand” and commit to supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.

The Make a Stand pledge focuses on 4 key areas:

1. Put in place and embed a policy to support residents who are affected by domestic abuse
2. Make information about national and local domestic abuse support services available on our website and in other appropriate places so that they are easily accessible for residents and staff
3. Put in place a HR policy, or amend an existing policy, to support members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse
4. Appoint a champion at a senior level in our organisation to own the activity we are doing to support people experiencing domestic abuse.

Visit the Make A Stand website. (Opens in a New Window)

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White Ribbon Campaign

The Council is a White Ribbon Accredited local authority, working to end male violence against women. We're helping to promote the campaign and encourage professionals and members of the public to never excuse, commit or remain silent about male violence against women.

At Broxtowe, we have developed an action plan which includes working with local groups, employees, Elected Members and partnership organisation’s to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse and the White Ribbon Campaign. Throughout the year activities take place throughout the borough to engage members of the public and promote our inclusive service of preventing all types of domestic abuse, including ending male violence against women and Broxtowe collectively ‘saying no to Domestic Abuse’.

Visit the White Ribbon website. (Opens in a New Window)

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Domestic Abuse Related Death Review DARDR

As part of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act (2004), from April 2011, Community Safety Partnerships have had a statutory responsibility to commission independent Domestic Abuse Related Death Review where a homicide or suicide occurs in which the death of a person aged 16 or over has, or appears to have, resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by: a person to whom s/he were related or with whom s/he were or had been in an intimate personal relationship; or a member of the same household as him/herself.

The purposes of Domestic Abuse Related Death Review are to:

• Identify any lessons to be learned about the way in which local practitioners and agencies work to safeguard victims, and identify how agencies will respond to these lessons.
• Improve intra and inter-agency working to improve service responses for all domestic violence victims and their children, in order to prevent further domestic homicides.

Domestic Abuse Related Death Review DARDR Highland

Download the Executive Summary (.pdf) (390KB) (Opens in a New Window)

Download South Nottinghamshire Feedback (.pdf)(109KB) (Opens in a New Window)

Download Home Office Feedback (.pdf) (102KB) (Opens in a New Window)