Fact, victims and help

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse…

Although both men and women can be affected, 77% of those who experience domestic abuse are women. Of those who experience domestic abuse, 38% are subject to more than one incident in a year.

• One in four women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime
• On average, three women a year are murdered by a partner or ex-partner
• In over half of reported incidents of domestic abuse in Suffolk there are children are present or living within the home (if not physically present)
• Two thirds of domestic abuse starts or increases during pregnancy
• Alcohol is a factor in around 60% of incidents of domestic abuse.

Its not just women that are affected by domestic abuse, men can be victims too…

One in six men will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. They can experience violence from their female partners or within same sex relationships. Information on male and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) victims is available on the break the pattern website.

Children can experience domestic abuse, though this is usually called child abuse. If you are under 18 and being abused in any way, you can call, Childline free on 0800 1111 for confidential advice and support. You can also visit our child abuse section for further information and advice.

Children can also witness incidents of domestic abuse between other family members. Experiencing or seeing domestic violence can affect a child's behaviour, health, and performance at school.

They may become withdrawn and lose their self-confidence. They can also react in a totally opposite way, becoming aggressive and attention seeking. Any change in behaviour is cause for concern and anyone who notices this should call Childline.

 

Suffolk Police are here to help

Suffolk Police is committed to tackling domestic abuse by working in conjunction with various partners and teams of dedicated support services throughout the county. The Suffolk Police Public Protection Investigation Unit has specialist independent domestic abuse team to support victims of domestic and sexual violence through a variety of initiatives such as, Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and Specialist Domestic Violence Courts.

Staff include, Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) who can support victims who are unwilling or unable to work with the police.

In addition, across Suffolk, each of the Borough and District Councils has a domestic abuse forum operating as a multi agency partnership to deliver local objectives to reduce domestic abuse and support victims and their families.

 

What support is available if you have been sexually assaulted?

The Suffolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is a partnership project between Suffolk NHS, Norfolk and Waveney NHS, Suffolk Police and other voluntary and statutory sector partner agencies. It is for all victims of rape or serious sexual assault, of all ages and regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

It is a client focused, ‘one stop’ location where victims of rape or serious sexual assault can receive medical care, access to a high standard of forensic examination and follow-on support. It provides victims with the opportunity at the same time or in the future (if this is their choice) to assist the police investigation into alleged offences.

Benefits of the SARC include an increase in overall victim confidence and potential physical and mental health and well being. Clients can access the service via a helpline 0300 123 5058 and for further information and support you can visit The Ferns website.

Suffolk Rape Crisis is a service for women and girls who are survivors of rape, childhood sexual abuse or any other forms of sexual violence. They operate a confidential helpline on 0800 0850 520 which operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm.