Domestic abuse data - ONS

In our experience, the level of reporting of domestic abuse cases has increased over the past year, but the issue of domestic abuse is something that occurs in everyday life on a vast scale. The definition of Domestic Abuse as given by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 sets out the various types of abuse, which is more than violence and can include coercion, emotional abuse and even financial abuse. Knowing this to now be abuse highlights that events occurring between people are more likely to be classed as domestic abuse than they would have been approximately 10-15 years ago. The cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty have put pressure on families in a way that cannot be comprehended. These pressures can include people having to work multiple jobs just to meet the cost of bills and the quality of family life has decreased as a result. There has been a rise in domestic abuse cases being reported because these pressures can trigger violence and abuse. There are perpetrators of violence and abuse who are not triggered by events in the UK or around the world. These perpetrators groom and choose their victims in an attempt to be violent or abusive to them. There is no justification for their behaviour. As a Family Law solicitor, we refer clients to various agencies to receive support. This can include support with housing, immigration, education and therapeutic services. We often hear from clients that they find it hard to get support from Government agencies or their specific Local Authority due to the already high demand for ongoing support society in general. The support channels we refer to are usually voluntary based or charitable organisations. Agencies such as Living Without Abuse, Citizens Advice, various support agencies for Women and Girls, and charities such as Samaritans or Mind.

I have seen domestic abuse cases increasing over the past year. I noticed a spike around the time of Covid, and I am now seeing another trend as we experience the cost of living crisis. The type of domestic abuse also seems to be widening, with more financial and psychological abuse. More men are disclosing abuse to me, whereas a few years ago the majority of my cases where brought against men. This may be as a result of the ‘taboo’ surrounding mental health and abuse, especially around men, being lifted. I would say that the cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty have resulted in a rise in domestic abuse cases. There generally seems to be a greater amount of tension and pressure among couples and families during periods where liberty and finances are restricted. This could be twofold: couples may feel they have no choice but to stay together within an abusive relationship or marriage as they feel they would not cope financially on their own. Additionally, couples may become more distant if they are increasing their hours at work to earn more, or there is additional conflict on ways to save and spend money in order to cope with this crisis. The ongoing economic uncertainty and reports that electricity is going to rise by a further 43% in April do not help and could contribute to more cases of domestic abuse. There are large gaps between the different support being offered: police cannot take any action on the majority of domestic abuse cases where there is no injunction with a power of arrest. A victim must go through a court process to obtain an injunction, which, if not eligible for legal aid, they must pay for in order to have representation. There are refuges and shelters around for those who have had to flee their home and abuser, however, there are not enough of them, and the quality of the accommodation is poor. All this happens while victims are very vulnerable, scared and alone. There does not seem to be much funded support available, or made known, for abusers to address any problems they have such as alcohol, drugs and anger. Nor is there much for victims, such as counselling or support, in rebuilding their lives without the abuser. This is not an exhaustive list of support channels: a. The National Centre for Domestic Violence assists with obtaining emergency injunctions through a court order. They assess whether you are eligible for legal aid and point you in the direction of a solicitor. b. Women’s Aid contains a list of support services across the UK. c. Victim Support is a charity that offers specialist support to help people cope and move on with their lives, free of their abuser d. Bars and pubs often run the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign- if you are feeling frightened or are being subject to abuse, you ask one of the bar staff for ‘Angela’. e. The Law Society has a tool where you can find a specialist domestic violence solicitor in your area to represent you in obtaining an injunction. f. Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline provides helpful information and offers support and refuge accommodation. g. There is also a mobile app called Bright Sky, which is free and offers support and advice.