Domestic violence and abuse has a potentially devastating impact on those affected by it and in turn has serious human and financial implications for society as a whole.

Research states that as many as one in four women will be victims at some time in their life. Men can also be affected. Other evidence points to a link between domestic violence and child abuse and it is well known that domestic violence and abuse impacts significantly on other issues such as homelessness and health.

What is domestic violence and abuse?

Domestic violence is defined by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers as:

'Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults, aged 18 and over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality'

Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws or step-family.

Anyone can experience domestic violence and abuse and people can suffer regardless of their social group, class, age, race, religion, disability or sexuality. Domestic violence occurs in a wide range of relationships including same sex and does not always involve physical violence.

It is typified by the perpetrator exercising some form of control or misuse of power over the victim and by the escalation in severity of behaviour and effects over time. It is now recognised that men can be victims but research indicates that the majority of victims will be women with a man as the perpetrator.

• Where to get help

  If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is a victim help is available here.

• MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference)

  MARACs deal with the domestic violence victims identified as being at highest risk of serious harm.

• Awareness courses for survivors of domestic violence and abuse

  Courses are now available for women who have experienced domestic violence and abuse living in Dorset county. The courses are run by experts working in domestic violence and abuse services and are available free of charge.

• Domestic Violence and Abuse Strategy

  The first Dorset Domestic Violence Strategy was published in 2006. Much has been achieved as a result of the strategy in terms of supporting victims, raising awareness of the impact of domestic violence and providing training for practitioners.

• Domestic Violence Awareness Training

  Multi agency domestic violence awareness training is available in Dorset during February and March 2012.

• Domestic Violence Strategic Coordinator
  Name: Nicola Pengelly
  Email: n.pengelly@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 228516
  Full details for Nicola Pengelly