My latest book, Born Bad, features a character who is a victim of domestic violence. I therefore thought it would be useful to write a blog post on the subject in the hope that the information I’ve provided may help victims.

Domestic violence doesn’t just relate to women in heterosexual relationships. Men can become victims of domestic violence as can people in homosexual relationships and sometimes children can be involved too.

The Facts

• A 2013/4 crime survey for England and Wales revealed that one in four women in England and Wales will become victims of domestic violence during their lifetime.

 

• In 2001/2 81% of domestic violence victims were women and 19% were men.

 

• A 2015 report revealed that one in three women worldwide experiences domestic violence from a male partner.

 

• Reports from 2000 and 2002 show that the police received a call a minute relating to domestic violence yet only 35% of the incidents were reported to the police.

 

• A 2011 report by the NSPCC stated that in the UK 20% of children have been exposed to domestic abuse.

Getting Help

If you are a woman suffering from domestic violence you can get lots of help and advice from Women’s Aid, including advice on legal action and housing. The website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/  has further information on the types of help available.

Women’s Aid can also give you details of solicitors who specialise in domestic violence and, depending on your income, you may qualify for legal aid. You can find out more about legal aid from the Citizens Advice website.

Advice and information relating to domestic abuse is available to both women and men on the Citizens Advice website by following the link: advice.

Reporting Domestic Violence

Many people are afraid to report domestic violence because of potential repercussions. However, most police stations have specially trained officers who deal with domestic abuse. Often, domestic violence is a criminal offence and the person committing the offence can be arrested, cautioned or charged.

If the perpetrator is released on bail, the police will usually attach conditions to the granting of bail in order to protect the victim. You will be given a crime reference number which you will need to give to other agencies when you ask for further help.

You will also need to consider your future living arrangements but agencies such as Women’s Aid can provide advice with this. You can also find more information on reporting domestic violence on UK police service websites. Go to www.police.uk to find your local police service.

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Born Bad is the first book in a new gritty crime trilogy. It will be published on 1^st July but you can pre-order your Kindle copy now by following the link: Born Bad.

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