We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases, it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following;
- Coercive Control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence).
- Psychological and/or Emotional Abuse
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Financial or economic abuse
- Harassment or stalking
- Online or digital abuse
Gender and Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is a gendered crime which is deeply rooted in the societal inequality between men and women. It is a form of gender-based violence “directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects disproportionally”. (CEDAW, 1992).
Women are more likely than men to experience multiple incidents of abuse, different types of domestic abuse (intermate partner abuse, sexual assault, and stalking), and in particular sexual violence. Any woman can experience domestic abuse regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, sexuality, class, or disability, but some women who experience other forms of oppression and discrimination may face further barriers to disclosing abuse and accessing support. Here at the Emily Davison Centre, we understand intersectionality and design services that reflect this concept.
Domestic Abuse exists as part of violence against women and girls which also includes different forms of family violence such as; forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called ‘honour crimes’ that are perpetrated primarily by family members often with multiple perpetrators.
There are a number of specialist domestic abuse services within the centre. These include
- Housing Support – Access to safe house accommodation, refuge or temporary accommodation. We take referrals for women who have no recourse to public funds and families where boys are aged over 12. Contact management@harvhousing.co.uk
- Holistic Support – Individual support that looks at all the areas in which abuse has impacted. This could include housing, education, employment, self confidence, self care, legal issues, benefit issues, immigration issues. Contact info@harvoutreach.org.uk
- Therapeutic Services – Abuse can impact on all areas of an individuals mental health. The trauma informed services provide one to one support using therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Person Centred Counselling. There are four therapy rooms in the centre. Contact Winnie@harvoutreach.org.uk
- Children and Young Peoples Services – There are a team of CYP workers based at the EDC, providing one to one support, healthy relationships training in primary and secondary schools, positive activities and group work programmes. Contact jess@harvoutreach.org.uk
- Move On – The move on service provides women with the skills and knowledge to return back into education and/or employment. The focus and fly course is a 10 week programme that will boost confidence, develop skills and support women to identify their next steps in life. Contact Helen@harvoutreach.org.uk
- Group and Recovery Programmes – There are a number of recovery programmes that staff air qualified to deliver during Covid lockdowns these are available online. Programmes include Strengthening Families, Recovery Programme, You-Me and Mum, Helping Hands, Hope to Recovery and Freedom Programme. Contact silvana@harvoutreach.org.uk
- Specialist training to professionals and the workplace in all aspects of domestic abuse. Contact debbie@harvoutreach.org.uk
We work in partnership with local domestic abuse charities, for support or information, please contact:
LOCAL SERVICES
POLICE In an emergency please call 999, non emergencies call 101
Hyndburn: 01254 353103 Ribble Valley: 01200458766
HARV: 01245 879855 | www.harvoutreach.org.uk | Twitter @HARVLancashire | info@harvoutreach.org.uk | PO Box 77 Accrington BB5 1GJ
HARV Housing: 01245 879855 | www.harvhousing.co.uk | Twitter @HarvHousing | management@harvhousing.co.uk
REGIONAL SERVICES
NATIONAL SERVICES
Find all the specialist EVAWG services across England and Wales here Women’s Aid National
National Women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and Minoritised women and girls IMKAAN
National Support Service for LGBTQI+ Victims of abuse or hate crime GALOP
Honor Based Violence Karma Nirvana