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Domestic Violence and Abuse

Domestic violence is the most prevalent form of abuse experienced by women and girls. Learn about the definition of domestic violence, the effects on women and girls’ health, the main barriers to women and girls leaving abusive relationships, and what ActionAid is doing to help.

What is domestic violence?

According to the Home Office: Domestic violence and abuse includes any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

  • psychological
  • physical
  • sexual
  • financial
  • emotional

Controlling behaviour is:

A range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is:

An act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

DOOR OF LIGHT

Read a testimonial of empowerment...

DOOR OF LIGHT

In two consecutive days I lost my mum and dad I was so lonely, I was and still am devastated by their loss. Close family relatives came over to give their condolences but almost immediately started discussing about my marriage, I didn't want to marry anyone I was in such despair, I didn’t know what was happening but a few months later I was pressurized, threatened and forced into marriage.
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The Government’s definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Domestic violence is rarely a one-off occurrence. A survivor usually experiences many different forms of violence during one incident. Violent acts are often repeated throughout and sometimes after the relationship.

Although domestic violence does affect men, statistics show that it is overwhelmingly carried out by men and experienced by women.

Like all forms of violence against women and girls, domestic violence is a gross violation of women’s and girls’ rights. To end violence against women and girls (men and boys), we must tackle violence at home.

Click on the links below to find out more:

What we are doing to tackle and end domestic Violence

ACCM (UK) in working to end domestic violence and all forms other abuse:

  • Provides one-to-one support for an anticipated 400 vulnerable individuals a year including men aged 30-50, seeking help in addressing domestic abuse, sexual violence and issues including illegal harmful traditional practices
  • Facilitate outreach workshops at community centres and our Cauldwell Community Centre Hub to reach over 1,000 participants a year in raising awareness on all forms of violence, health and wellbeing paying attention to mental health, ESOL and IT to empower individuals with language and IT Skills ready for employment.
  • Facilitate workshops in Centres and online for statutory service providers and voluntary sector professionals for an anticipated 700 participants a year, by our Safeguarding, GDPR, Equalities and AIG-trained staff who are bilingual in community languages and some of whom have lived experiences supported by partner qualified professional trainers and Tutors

I was abused beaten; I had nowhere to go.  Rehana /Sarah from ACCM UK helped report to police, find m a refuge ACCM UK-Rehana gave me one to one support during the pandemic Sarah helped apply for the Domestic Violence Concession as I was abused, I got help with benefit and after securing my settlement status.   I was supported to learn English, Rehana helped me with my cv and I now have a job.

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