Domestic Abuse (DA) Awareness
Anthony Gell School recognise that Domestic Abuse (DA) is on the increase and reflects a national change, as families find if more challenging to cope during these extra-ordinary times. We have received a higher than average number of notifications recently, and feel it necessary to share with our community, that we are here to support our children and families who are living within these conditions.
The effects of Covid-19 have added more pressure on the family home both physically and emotionally, and we recognise that some families will need support and guidance to help them recover from this period.
The Home Office campaign, which is promoted under the Twitter hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, will encourage the public to show their solidarity for victims.
Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behaviour as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.
Although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) about 4.2% of men and 7.9% of women suffered domestic abuse in England and Wales during 2018. This equates to about 685,000 male victims and 1,300,000 women. One in four women and one in six men will be affected by domestic abuse during their lives.
On average, 2 women are murdered every week and 30 men are murdered every year due to domestic violence. 16% of violent crime is domestic abuse though domestic abuse is least likely to be reported to the police. There are more repeat victims of domestic abuse than repeat victims of any other crime. On average domestic abuse victims will have been assaulted 68 times before reporting it to the police.
Domestic abuse is the single most quoted reason a person becomes homeless. Millions live in daily, silent fear within their own homes. In addition, every year millions of children are exposed to domestic violence. Domestic violence incidents affect every person within a home and can have long-lasting negative effects on children’s emotional well-being, and their social and academic functioning.
