Domestic Abuse and violence

Through detailed analysis of crime figures the Safer Havant partnership have chosen violence and domestic abuse as one of their three main priorities for the upcoming year. The Safer Havant Partnership is committed to reducing domestic abuse in the Havant Borough and the unacceptable harm it causes to those who suffer. Follow the bookmarks below for information and advice on domestic abuse issues:

Domestic abuse concerns rise over Christmas

Christmas is traditionally a joyful time when families come together to celebrate, but for victims of domestic abuse it can be the worst time of the year. Christmas can be a very difficult time for victims of domestic abuse as the pressures of financial difficulties and of spending long periods of time with an abusive partner can create greater anxiety and stress. Domestic abuse does not take time off at Christmas and for thousands of women and children who are living in the grip of violence it is a day like any other.

It is often not only adults who suffer due to violent partners during this time. For children living in a home where there is violence, Christmas is not a time of celebration, but one of terror, as the family is together for an extended period of time. Most children living in violent households witness the violence that is occurring and in 80% of cases they are in the same or the next room. In about half of all domestic violence situations, the children are also being directly abused themselves.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse and don't know what to do, don't suffer in silence. Contact Havant Women’s Aid at 02392 480 246 or or call the national 24 hour domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Contact Havant Women's Aid by email >>

External link to the Havant Women's Aid website >>

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional), between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. Domestic abuse frequently co-exists with child abuse.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime
2-3 women a week are killed by their partners or ex-partners in the UK alone
Although only a minority of incidents of domestic abuse are reported to the police, the police still receive one call about domestic violence for every minute in the UK
Domestic abuse can affect people of any age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography, every day of the year. Follow the link below for advice for anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse:

Link to advice on who to call if you are a victim of domestic abuse >>

Sarah’s Story

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau referred Sarah* to Havant Women’s Aid for refuge accommodation. Sarah had returned to England after living in Europe for a few years in order to escape the violence she was experiencing from her partner. Sarah and her children had been experiencing domestic abuse for a number of years.

Sarah moved into refuge accommodation with her three children. As Sarah had not been living in the UK at first she could not claim benefits or get help with housing. Local churches helped Havant Women’s Aid provide Laura with food, toiletries, and other basic necessities.

Life was extremely difficult for Sarah and her children as they had no money and no family. Sarah’s health began to be affected by stress and this was made worse by the fact that Christmas was approaching and she was not in a position to buy presents for her children. Through the support that Havant Women’s Aid received from the local community, local businesses and local churches we were able to give Sarah a bag of beautifully wrapped presents for her to give to her children on Christmas morning.

Sarah and her children shared her Christmas with the other families living in the refuge and were safe from violence for the first Christmas for many years. The support of the local community and Havant Women’s Aid meant that Sarah and her children were not only safe but also had their first happy Christmas free from domestic abuse.

Christmas is a distressing time for women and children who are living in refuge accommodation. They are living in a shared house, away from their home and often unable to safely visit or see friends and family. Sometimes the violent partner that they are escaping will increase his level of harassment and make renewed efforts to find his ex-partner.

The support Havant Women’s Aid receives at Christmas can help make life easier for both families living in refuge accommodation and families living in the community who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse.

*Names have been changed.

Don’t suffer in silence

As with any crime, if you are in immediate danger you should call the police on 999. The following organisations offer support and advice to anyone affected by domestic abuse:

Havant Women’s Aid

Havant Women’s Aid provides a number of services to women and their children who have experienced or who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Havant Women’s Aid runs a refuge offering support and temporary accommodation to women and children escaping domestic abuse. They also offer outreach to families not staying in the refuge but still in need of advice, support and information. Other available support includes:

Telephone advice
Counselling
Individual tailored advice to women, focusing on their current risks and options for safety
Specially provided workshops
Play therapy, free play and structured play
Group and individual sessions for children and young people of all ages
Holiday activities
Refuge accommodation

Contact Havant Women’s Aid on 02392 480 246 or call the national 24 hour domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Contact Havant Women's Aid by email >>

External link to Havant Women's Aid website >>

Victim Support

Victim Support is an independent national charity for people affected by any crime. Their volunteers are specially trained to give information, practical help and emotional support to people who have been threatened or abused. Victim Support’s services are confidential, free and available to everyone.

Call the national Victim Supportline 0845 3030 900 or contact your local Victim Support office on 023 92 653111

Broken Rainbow National Helpline

Broken Rainbow provides services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are experiencing domestic abuse. For help and advice call 0300 999 5428.

External link to the Broken Rainbow website >>

Men's Advice Line

The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. For information and advice call 0808 801 0327.