Anne’s story is not unusual. Domestic violence is widespread in British society, and accounts for up to a quarter of all recorded violent crime. And in Wigan borough, domestic violence accounted for 11% of all violent crime offences in 2008/09. However, given the nature of the abuse, it often goes unreported so this figure is highly conservative.
“I felt totally isolated,” recalled Anne, who left her abusive relationship five years ago and has since re-married, “but I refused to admit there was a problem. I was complicit in hiding the evidence - from my children, my family and my friends. I even started to believe it was normal, nothing out of the ordinary.”
Whilst some women are in denial, others fail to report their abuse out of fear of being stigmatized by their family or community. But it’s estimated a staggering two thirds simply fail to realise that the behaviour they are subjected to amounts to abuse, many looking upon it as ‘just something that happens’.
“Most people associate ‘domestic violence’ with black eyes,” said Anne, “but physical abuse is just one of many ways in which a person can become victimized.
“It took years for me to realise that the mental, emotional, financial and sexual control I was subjected to amounted to domestic abuse.”
As damaging as it is for families and communities, dealing with the consequences of domestic violence is also extremely expensive, costing Wigan Borough an estimated £29 million per year.
"There are too many heart rending cases such as Anne's in the borough,” said Peter Smith, Leader of Wigan Council. “The council is committed to reducing such domestic abuse and bringing to an end the misery of many women and children.
“To do this we will need to work not just with police and health but with local communities to give a loud message this abuse is not acceptable.”
Building on existing provision, Wigan’s new domestic abuse strategy is five-pronged.
- Whilst historically domestic abuse services have been reactive in nature, a programme of prevention and early intervention is planned to ensure that victims are identified earlier and support programmes are in place for families at risk.
- The provision of integrated, easily accessible services which can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals is also a priority.
- The strategy ensures that resources are geared to the safety and protection of victims and children, particularly those in acute danger, as well as minimising the harmful longer term effects on children and young people.
- Managing offenders is a central theme of the strategy. It aims to ensure they are brought to account and held responsible for their behaviour by being given meaningful sentences, together with appropriate rehabilitation opportunities and support treatments.
- And finally, the strategy will encourage people to challenge the commonly held perception that domestic abuse is somehow acceptable. By raising awareness and encouraging debate, communities will be empowered to understand, recognise and challenge unacceptable behaviour.
“Admitting I was a victim of domestic violence was a turning point for me,”said Anne.
“It was frightening making that first phone call, not really knowing what chain of events it would set in motion. But it was nowhere near as terrifying as the abuse I was subjected to in my own home every day.
“I urge anybody who suspects they may have a problem to seek help, because people do care and that one phone call will turn your life around.”
* Anne is not her real name.
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