Domestic violence is still a shockingly high crime statistic, with over 13,000 incidents reported in Sussex alone, last year.
Across the UK, domestic violence accounts for over a quarter of all recorded crime, with an average of two incidents reported every minute. But this form of violence still happens behind closed doors, with many neighbours choosing to ignore it. A recent poll (by ICM) found that half of respondents thought that it was up to the individuals concerned to sort out their differences between them. Add to this that on average, victims experience 30 to 35 separate abusive incidents before they seek help, and you begin to realise just how big a problem domestic violence is.
It is not just physical scars that victims are left with. Often they go on to suffer from low self esteem, depression, anxiety and guilt. Another survey, carried out by the Home Office, discovered that children are present in around two thirds of homes that experience domestic violence - the impact this might have on children cannot be measured.
The Home Office is now focusing on issues surrounding domestic violence - in particular providing safe refuges for victims. A project in East Sussex has seen new refuges provided in Wealden, Lewes and Eastbourne, with East Sussex County Council pledging to open up more this year.& Hastings & St Leonards has a refuge which is run by National Refuge and is supported by a Hastings Borough Council voluntary grant.
On average it takes around six attempts for a victim to leave - losing everything including their home. 130,000 households have been re-homed by UK councils over the last seven years, as a result of domestic violence - 1710 cases in Sussex during 2002.
Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, said:
"This Council has pledged to reduce domestic violence by 5% by 2005 (Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy) and we're working very closely with the Hastings and Rother Domestic Abuse Service which has been running for three years and is funded by the Crime Reduction Initiative. It provides a drop in service, group work, one-to-one sessions and other forms of support such as help with housing health and legal issues and benefit entitlements.
"The service is open to female and male victims of domestic violence, elderly people who are being abused by carers and relatives. It also helps children from violent homes, in partnership with National Children's Homes.
"Domestic violence affects far too many people. If you know someone who is a victim, or if you are a victim, there is the support out there to help you make decisions and choices which are right for you."
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, sexuality, race, religion, income or background. It can be perpetrated by any adult family member, partner or ex partner and takes lots of different forms, including:
Sussex police say that everyone has the right to feel safe - especially in their own home. If you report domestic violence to the police, it will be treated as a serious crime and investigated. It is the role of the police to stop any violence and gather evidence of any offences. They have the power to arrest a suspect if there is suspicion of an offence which has caused injuries or sexual assault.
If someone is arrested, they will be formally questioned about the suspected offence and, while they are in custody, other inquiries will be carried out to gather more information and evidence. They can be kept in custody for up to 24 hours, although magistrates can extend this. After this they must be released without charge, bailed to appear before magistrates in the next couple of days, or remanded in custody at prison.
If you are experiencing Domestic Violence or know someone who is you can contact:
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This page last updated: 03/07/2003