What is domestic violence and abuse

It may start with emotional abuse but can soon escalate. It is not always about physical violence and can occur between married couples, same sex partners, family members, those in a current relationship or one that has ended. It is rarely a one-off occurrence. If someone's partner doesn't allow them to see their family, controls their finances, won't let them work or dictates what they wear then they are likely to be in an abusive relationship.

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, sexuality lifestyle or income.

Not all forms of domestic violence and abuse are crimes, but they still impact on victims' quality of life, health, well being and ability to work.

These web pages have been written to provide help and support for people directly affected by domestic violence and abuse and those who support them either in the family or a professional setting.

• Advice on housing options for victims of domestic violence and abuse

  Losing your home because of domestic violence and abuse can impact on all aspects of your life. The Dorset Domestic Violence Strategic Group is committed to measures which assist victims to stay in their homes if they choose to do so or to enable them to move.

• Where to get help - for victims of domestic violence and abuse

  Details of the help available to those who are victims of domestic violence or abuse can be found on this page.

• 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 Awareness Training

  Multi agency domestic violence awareness training will be running in the Autumn of 2012.

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