-
Domestic violence
Domestic violence
Domestic Violence is a crime and should not be tolerated
Domestic Violence has been defined as
‘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’
(Second London domestic violence strategy 2005)
If you are being abused, threatened, physically or sexually assaulted by a partner, former partner or family member, this is domestic violence. As well as actual physical violence, it can involve a wide range of other abusive and controlling behaviours such as threats, harassment, financial control and emotional abuse.
Perpetrators use domestic violence to exert control and power over another person. Forced marriages, so called ‘honour crimes’ and female genital mutilation are all forms of domestic violence.
Domestic violence is widespread through every community and statistics have shown that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. It accounts for approximately 25% of all reported violent crime. Research has shown that on average women experience 35 incidents of domestic violence before they seek help.
If you are being abused by your partner or someone close to you, there are three important steps you can take
- Recognise it is happening to you
- Accept that you are not to blame
- Get some help and support
Where to get help
Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 this is a free 24 hour helpline run by women’s aid and refuge
Kingston Domestic Violence One Stop Shop is a service providing information and confidential support to people who have experienced domestic violence. It is held every Monday 9.30am – 12.30pm
In the Baptist Church
Union Street
Kingston
KT1 1RP
Kingston Police Community Safety Unit is responsible for investigating hate crimes in the borough and they have male and female police officers who are specially trained to deal with these crimes.
Telephone: 020 8247 5165 based in Kingston Police Station
Children and Domestic Violence
Children can suffer both directly and indirectly if they live in a household where there is domestic violence. Even if they do not actually witness the violence they can be affected in a number of ways. They may be in the room next door and hear the violence and they may see their parent’s injuries following an incident of violence.
From 31 January 2005, Section 120 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 came into force, which extends the legal definition of harming children to include harm suffered by seeing or hearing ill treatment of others, especially in the home.
If you are worried about a child or you think your children may be at risk there is help available.
Contact ASSK (Advancing Services for Kingston Kids) for information and advice:Tel: 020 8547 5888 or email: askk@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
Kingston Domestic Violence Forum
Kingston Domestic Violence Forum is a multi-agency group of professionals from voluntary and statutory agencies that was established in 1998 and currently meets quarterly.
The purpose of the forum is to raise awareness of domestic violence in the borough, promote joint working, multi agency partnership and mutual support.
International women’s day events
Kingston Domestic Violence Forum is collaborating with Bounce theatre to celebrate International Women’s day (8th March) this year with some events.
Vagina Monologues Performance, Thursday 6 March 2008
Bounce Theatre is proud to present the world-famous Vagina Monologues for one night only. We invite people to watch actors from the local community as they perform for charity. By turns wickedly funny, informative, tender and serious; The Vagina Monologues is sure to surprise and delight all who see it!The Cricketers Pub, 20 Fairfield South, Kingston, KT1 2UL
Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8.00pm
Tickets £10 (concessions £8). All proceeds will go to Kingston domestic violence charities.
Free Women’s Day workshop Saturday 8 March 2008
Bounce theatre are running an informal, fun drama workshop to celebrate International Women’s Day. The theme of the workshop is “Celebration” and it is an opportunity for local women to network and share stories.11.00 am – 1.00pm Saturday 8th March 2008
Market House, Market Place, Kingston town centre, KT1 1JH
For information or to reserve a place at either event phone 020 8408 1124 or e-mail info@bouncetheatre.com.
For more information on Kingston Domestic Violence Forum please contact Kelly Whitehead (Domestic Violence Co-ordinator) on
tel. 020 8547 5040
or
Email kelly.whitehead@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
If you are in immediate danger always dial 999
Also see:
Related Documents:
Get help accessing files or request files in alternative formats- Domestic Violence Directory
The Domestic Violence Directory has been compiled to be a source of reference containing agencies directly dealing with domestic violence and additional support services locally and nationally and also contains useful weblinks.