Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is domestic violence awareness month. Its aim is to raise awareness and offer support to victims of domestic abuse.

What is domestic abuse?

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as being the abusive behaviour of a person towards another.  

Abusive behaviour includes: 

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Violent or threatening behaviour 
• Emotional and psychological abuse 
• Financial and economic abuse
• Coercive or controlling behaviour 

Who might be a victim? 

A victim can be anyone who is personally connected to the abusive person. Domestic abuse isn’t restricted to husband and wife, the abuser can be a wider family member, a partner, a caregiver, an ex-partner, a person who shares a parental relationship or a relative. 

Children may also be victims of domestic abuse if they witness or experience the effects of abuse and is related to either the abuser or person. 

Recognising Abuse 

Domestic abuse is often not recognised straight away; it can escalate slowly and many victims begin intense loving relationships often referred to as being loved bombed. Over time abusive behaviours may become “normal”. 

It is important to be aware of and recognise the red flags, for example: 

• Being in fear 
• Treading on eggshells 
• Being monitored 
• Feeling threatened 
• Being isolated from friends and family who may protect 
• Experiencing physical assault or violence of any type 
• Name calling 

Protection 

Protective measures can be put in place to safeguard victims of domestic abuse such as, Non-molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. 

• Non Molestation Order – this is a protective order to prohibit the respondent from, for example, using violence and threatening behaviour, making contact, harassing, intimidating being within a specified distance of the victim. 
• Occupation Order – this is an order than regulate how the home is occupied and can exclude another from the family home. 

If you have concerns that you may be a victim of domestic abuse it is important to make an escape plan and seek help as soon as possible. Contact our family team for further information.