Inadequate support for victims of domestic abuse

By The Press Association25th February 2015News EnglandDomestic Abuse / Violence, News England, Victim Support

Victims of domestic violence suffer on average for nearly three years before getting the help they need, according to new charity research.

A study by domestic abuse charity SafeLives – formerly known as Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse – found that within a three-year period some women will suffer more than 50 incidents of violence.

More than 85% of victims are in contact with professionals – on average five times – in the year before they get help, the research found, and almost a quarter of victims at high risk of harm go to an accident and emergency department because of their injuries – some as many as 15 times.

SafeLives has urged professionals such as GPs, midwives, social workers, police and A&E staff to ask about domestic abuse every time they are concerned in order to get families help sooner.

Also in the last year before they get effective help, three-quarters of victims reported the abuse to the police.

Diana Barran, SafeLives’ chief executive, said: “This is yet more shocking evidence that we could stop domestic violence far earlier than we do. Every conversation with a professional represents a missed opportunity to get victims and their children the help they need.

“Time and time again no one spots domestic abuse, even when victims and their children come into contact with many different public agencies. It’s not acceptable that victims should have to try to get help repeatedly. This leaves victims living in fear and danger – and risks life-long harm to their children.

“Every professional should help victims feel safe enough to say what is really going on at home. That’s why we’re calling on every professional to ask about domestic abuse, every time they’re worried – and to know the right thing to do if victims tell them.”

SafeLives holds the UK’s largest database of domestic abuse cases, with more than 35,000 entries since 2009.

Polly Neate, chief executive of charity Women’s Aid, said: “We now have all the evidence we need to know that women experiencing domestic violence are being failed: help takes too long to reach them and often doesn’t provide the support they need.

“This report further demonstrates the need for a new approach to domestic violence, one that provides more opportunities for women to disclose and which really meets their needs when they do.

“Agencies have to work together to do more than simply manage risk in the short term. We have to empower women to escape permanently, and give them the tools to live independently for the rest of their lives.”