Recovery JSNA: Domestic abuse
Domestic Abuse (DA) is a complex issue that represents a major public health concern, which cuts across all geographic and cultural groups. Domestic Violence and Abuse has been defined as:
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and / or emotional”.
The impact on those living with its effects can be devastatingly long and lasting. DA occurs across all levels of society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography. To tackle this agenda effectively requires a sensitive, multidisciplinary approach. There is no single factor that explains why some individuals have an increased tendency for domestic abuse or why domestic abuse is more prevalent in some communities than others. The socio-ecological model considers the complex connections of the impact and risks of domestic abuse across four layers (individual, relationship, community and societal) and it can be used to develop a framework for preventative interventions. This framework can help to promote the development of cross-sectoral policies and programmes by identifying links and interactions between different levels and factors.
This chapter covers the following topics:
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Key facts
There is likely to be under reporting of DA, although this will vary by area.
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ending March 2020 there was an estimated 2.3m adults aged 16-74 who experienced domestic abuse.
1.6m (7.3%) women and 757k (3.6%) men who experienced domestic abuse in the last year.
Extrapolating the national percentages would give the following number for Wiltshire
– Women: 13,000
– Men: 6,350
That’s a total of around 19,350 adults in Wiltshire who have experienced domestic abuse in the 12 months to March 2020.
The police recorded around 759k domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales (excluding Greater Manchester Police). This is an increase of 9% from the previous year; continuing an ongoing trend that may reflect improved recording by the police alongside increased reporting by victims.
Wiltshire police recorded around 6,400 domestic abuse related crimes in 2019-20 which was a reduction of 3% on the 6,600 recorded in 2018-19. During the early stages of the pandemic there was an increase in the number of males reporting offences to the police.
Statutory definition of Domestic Abuse
The new statutory definition of domestic abuse is in two parts:
– Defining relationship between the abuser and the abused.
– Defining what constitutes abusive behaviour.
In defining the relationship firstly the abused and the abuser must be aged 16 or over. Abusive behaviour directed at a person under 16 would be dealt with as child abuse rather than domestic abuse. Secondly that both persons must be “personally connected”. The definition ensures that different types of relationships are captured, including ex-partners and family members.
Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following—
– physical or sexual abuse;
– violent or threatening behaviour;
– controlling or coercive behaviour;
– economic abuse
– psychological, emotional or other abuse.
Socio-ecological approach to Violence Prevention
Research suggests a four-level social-ecological model to better understand violence and the effect of potential prevention strategies. This model considers the complex interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors. It allows us to understand the range of factors that put people at risk for violence or protect them from experiencing or perpetrating violence. The overlapping rings in the model illustrate how factors at one level influence factors at another level.
Besides helping to clarify these factors, the model also suggests that in order to prevent violence, it is necessary to act across multiple levels of the model at the same time. This approach is more likely to sustain prevention efforts over time and achieve population-level impact.
Domestic Abuse Bill (2019-21)
Parliament is currently debating a Domestic Abuse Bill which would introduce a number of measures:
– Creating a statutory definition of domestic abuse, emphasising that domestic abuse is not just physical violence, but can also be emotional, coercive or controlling, and economic abuse.
– Establish in law the office of Domestic Abuse Commissioner and set out the Commissioner’s functions and powers.
– Provide for a new Domestic Abuse Protection Notice and Domestic Abuse Protection Order.
– Placing a duty on local authorities in England to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and their children in refuges and other safe accommodation.
– Prohibit perpetrators of abuse from cross-examining their victims in person in the civil and family courts in England and Wales.
– Create a statutory presumption that victims of domestic abuse are eligible for special measures in the criminal, civil and family courts.
– Clarify by restating in statute law the general proposition that a person may not consent to the infliction of serious harm and, by extension, is unable to consent to their own death.
– Extend the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the criminal courts in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to further violent and sexual offences.
– Enable domestic abuse offenders to be subject to polygraph testing as a condition of their licence following their release from custody.
– Place the guidance supporting the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (“Clare’s law”) on a statutory footing.
– Provide that all eligible homeless victims of domestic abuse automatically have ‘priority need’ for homelessness assistance.
– Ensure that where a local authority, for reasons connected with domestic abuse, grants a new secure tenancy to a social tenant who had or has a secure lifetime or assured tenancy (other than an assured shorthold tenancy) this must be a secure lifetime tenancy.
The Bill will be considered in one of its final stages in the House of Lords on the 8th March 2021, it is likely to become law by the end of March 2021..
Recorded domestic abuse related crimes
Rate of recorded domestic abuse related crimes
In 2019-20, Wiltshire Police recorded 6,419 crimes as domestic abuse related. This was a reduction of around 200 on the number in 2018-19.
This represents around 15% of all crimes recorded by Wiltshire Police.
In England & Wales (ex GMP) there was an increase of around 9% in the number of DA recorded crimes.
2019-20 Rate of recorded domestic abuse related crimes
In 2019-20, Wiltshire Police recorded 6,419 crimes as domestic abuse related. This was a reduction of around 200 on the number in 2018-19.
This represents around 15% of all crimes recorded by Wiltshire Police.
In England & Wales (ex GMP) there was an increase of around 9% in the number of DA recorded crimes.
Source: Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: November 2020, Office for National Statistics, extracted Jan 2021 .
Domestic Abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic
House of Commons, Home Affairs Select Committee Enquiry April 2020:
A global surge in domestic abuse has been reported during the coronavirus pandemic, as those living with domestic violence face greater risks at home during lockdowns, and support services are harder to reach and to provide. The UK has followed the global pattern of rising domestic abuse risks during the crisis: calls and contacts to helplines have increased markedly and evidence suggests incidents are becoming more complex and serious, with higher levels of physical violence and coercive control.
Rising domestic abuse has devastating impacts on the lives of victims and children who experience abuse in the home and the consequences are long lasting. Action is needed during the COVID-19 crisis — both during lockdowns and after them—to prevent and tackle abuse and to support victims, otherwise families and communities will be dealing with those serious consequences for many years.
Source: Home Office preparedness for Covid-19 (Coronavirus): domestic abuse and risks of harm within the home, Home Affairs Select Committee, extracted January 2021
Women’s Aid reported:
Covid-19 does not cause domestic abuse, only abusers are responsible for their actions. However, the pandemic does threaten to escalate abuse and close down routes to safety for women to escape. It has put the spotlight on an existing crisis, which can no longer be ignored.
Over 50% of women surveyed who were currently experiencing abuse reported that the violence/abuse had got worse; they felt more afraid and felt they had no one to turn too during lockdown.
Over 50% of women surveyed who had previously suffered abuse reported that memories of abuse affected their mental health, a quarter of the women felt more afraid and a sixth felt they had no one to turn too during lockdown.
Similar proportions were noted for cases where children were involved.
Source: A Perfect Storm: The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on domestic abuse survivors and the services supporting them, Women's Aid, extracted January 2021
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children reported:
Both Childline and the NSPCC helpline have seen an increase in the number of people worried about domestic abuse since the government’s stay at home guidance was issued. :
Between 23 March and 17 May 2020, the NSPCC helpline received 1,500 contacts about adults worried about the impact of domestic abuse on children. 58% of these contacts resulted in a referral being made to, or updated information being shared with, a local agency.
Between 23 March and 17 May 2020 Childline delivered over 500 counselling sessions to children and young people worried about domestic abuse. There has been an increase in the number of counselling sessions Childline has delivered about domestic abuse, rising from an average of around 50 a week earlier this year, compared to an average of around 65 a week since the government’s stay at home guidance was issued.
Source: The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on child welfare: domestic abuse, NSPCC, extracted January 2021
National analysis from the Office for National Statistics shows:
Police recorded crime data show an increase in offences flagged as domestic abuse-related during the
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it cannot be determined whether this increase can be directly attributed to the coronavirus pandemic.
There has generally been an increase in demand for domestic abuse victim services during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly affecting helplines as lockdown measures eased; this does not necessarily indicate an increase in the number of victims, but perhaps an increase in the severity of abuse being experienced, and a lack of available coping mechanisms such as the ability to leave the home to escape the abuse or attend counselling.
The total number of cases discussed at multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs) decreased in April to June 2020 compared with the previous quarter; this may reflect the difficulties high-risk victims faced when attempting to safely contact the police (the main source of referral to MARACs) during the lockdown period.
There was generally an increase in demand for domestic abuse victim support services, including a 65% increase in calls and contacts logged by the National Domestic Abuse Helpline between April and June 2020, compared with the first three months of the year.
Increases in demand for domestic abuse support were particularly noticeable following the easing of lockdown measures in mid-May, such as a 12% increase in the number of domestic abuse cases handled by Victim Support in the week lockdown restrictions were eased, compared to the previous week; this reflects the difficulties victims faced in safely seeking support during the lockdown.
Increases in demand for domestic abuse victim services do not necessarily indicate an increase in the number of victims, but perhaps an increase in the severity of abuse being experienced, and a lack of available coping mechanisms such as the ability to leave the home to escape the abuse, or attend counselling.
Source: Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: November 2020, Office for National Statistics, extracted Jan 2021
Action to mitigate impact of DA due to COVID-19 Pandemic
House of Commons, Home Affairs Select Committee Enquiry April 2020 recommended:
Now a full action plan is needed covering support services, housing and the criminal justice system, cross-Government Covid-19 strategy on domestic abuse.
Support services for domestic abuse and vulnerable children need urgent and direct funding support: without it, victims will be put at much greater risk of harm.
New strategies are needed to ensure victims can access support, taking account of the fact that it might be harder to phone from home, or to talk privately to a GP, friend or neighbour while the lockdown is in place.
Domestic abuse needs to be a priority too for the entire criminal justice system, to ensure that Domestic Violence Protection Order cases are heard swiftly and that alternative temporary accommodation for perpetrators is provided during lockdown, if that is needed to apply DVPOs and keep victims safe. Refuges also need additional support due to additional costs and loss of income resulting from the pandemic.
This has been addressed in the Domestic Abuse Bill which is mentioned earlier.
Source: Home Office preparedness for Covid-19 (Coronavirus): domestic abuse and risks of harm within the home, Home Affairs Select Committee, extracted January 2021
Women’s Aid recommended:
Highlight, raise awareness, understanding of coercive control, emotional and psychological abuse and provide support.
Longer-term funding strategies for what are essential services. A funding model that asks us what we need to be sustainable rather than asking us to bid for pre-defined activities or new project-based funding. A far greater commitment to funding (all service types).
Source: A Perfect Storm: The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on domestic abuse survivors and the services supporting them, Women's Aid, extracted January 2021 .
Trends in Domestic Abuse related crimes
Monthly trend in Domestic Abuse related crimes – England & Wales
The data shows the first 3 months of the first COVID-19 Lockdown. While there is normally a rise in April, May and June, in 2020 the rise was greater.
Overall Domestic Abuse related crimes in Apr-June ‘20 were 8.5% higher than the same period in 2019. Violence Against the Person was 10.8% higher in Apr-June 20 compared to the same period in 2019.
Source: Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: November 2020, Office for National Statistics, extracted Jan 2021
Monthly trend in Domestic Abuse related crimes – Wiltshire
The local Wiltshire data shows the same increasing trend in first 3 months of the first COVID-19 Lockdown as was seen in the England Data. This rise continues into August for Wiltshire.
In Wiltshire overall domestic abuse related crimes in Apr-Sept ‘20 were 14.2% higher than the same period in 2019. Violence Against the Person was 12.0% higher in Apr-Sept ‘20 compared to the same period in 2019.
Source: Local Wiltshire Police data, extracted Jan 2021
Violence against the person monthly proportion of Domestic Abuse related crimes – England and Wales
The data shows the proportion of domestic abuse related crimes which are related to Violence against the person (VATP).
Historically the monthly proportion fluctuates between 32% and 36%. In April to June 2020, it rose to over 40%. There was no reduction in the overall number of DA related crimes suggesting there was a potentially large increase in the number of people suffering DA during the first lockdown.
Source: Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: November 2020, Office for National Statistics, extracted Jan 2021
Violence against the person monthly proportion of Domestic Abuse related crimes – Wiltshire
The data shows the proportion of domestic abuse related crimes which are related to Violence against the person (VATP) based on the local Wiltshire data.
Historically the monthly proportion fluctuates between 30% and 36%. In April to June 2020, it rose to over 45%. This reflects the national pattern although the proportions are slightly greater in Wiltshire.
Source: Local Wiltshire Police data, extracted Jan 2021
Violence Against the Person monthly proportion with & without injury – Wiltshire
The data shows the proportion of domestic abuse related crimes which are related to Violence against the person (VATP) which are recorded as with or without injury based on the local Wiltshire data.
During April to July 2020 the proportion of violent domestic abuse crimes with injury fell to around 40% from around 45% in 2019-20.
Source: Local Wiltshire Police data, extracted Jan 2021
Domestic Abuse Victims by Gender – Wiltshire
The data shows the proportion of domestic abuse related crimes by the gender of the victim.
Historically around a quarter of the victims were male and three quarters female.
In April to September 2020 the proportion of male victims increased to around 30%.
Source: Local Wiltshire Police data, extracted Jan 2021
Domestic Abuse Victims by age band – Wiltshire
Just over half of all domestic abuse victims are aged under 35.
From age 35 and older the proportion of domestic abuse victims reduces.
The 2020 proportions by age compared to 2017 show there is evidence that victims are getting slightly older, with the proportion of victims aged under 30 reducing from around 40% in 2017 to around 36% in 2020.
Source: Local Wiltshire Police data, extracted Jan 2021
Domestic Abuse offenders by age band – Wiltshire
Over half of all domestic abuse offenders are aged under 35.
From age 35 and older the proportion of domestic abuse offenders reduces.
The 2020 proportions by age compared to 2017 show there is evidence that offenders are getting slightly older, with the proportion of victims aged under 30 reducing from around 40% in 2017 to around 36% in 2020.
Source: Local Wiltshire Police data, extracted Jan 2021
Provisional Trend in Domestic Homicides – England and Wales
During 2020 there have been 2 homicides linked to domestic abuse within Wiltshire.
The Home Office Select Committee suggested that there were at least sixteen domestic abuse killings of women and children between 23 March and 12 April.
Source: Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: November 2020, Office for National Statistics, extracted Jan 2021 .
Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference Referrals
Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference Referrals (MARACs) are a multi agency meeting which deal with the victims of domestic abuse who are assessed as being at risk of serious harm or death.
Wiltshire has been operating MARAC since 2007. There are 2 MARAC Meetings in Wiltshire covering the North & West and the East & South of the County. Each MARAC meetings fortnightly.
Referrals are made through the Police, and both statutory and voluntary agencies.
The purpose of the meeting is to share information from agencies. Risks are then identified – those risks to the victim, to the children and any specific risks the perpetrator may post to the wider communities. When those risks are identified, agencies will offer actions which will inform the action plan with the aim of mitigating risk towards the victim and children.
At the heart of a MARAC is the working assumption that no single agency or individual can see the complete picture of the life of a victim, but all may have insights that are crucial to their safety.
Victims referred to the MARAC will be contacted and offered support from an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Adviser) – the IDVA will be the voice of the victim at the meeting and will feedback following the meeting.
MARAC referrals in Wiltshire
During 2020 there were 765 referrals discussed at MARAC meetings in Wiltshire. This is an increase of 14% on 2019.
The increase in NW Wiltshire was nearly a quarter while in SE Wiltshire the increase was only marginal (2.5%).
MARAC repeat referrals in Wiltshire
During 2020 there were 270 repeat referrals discussed at MARAC meetings in Wiltshire. This is an increase of 50% on 2019.
The increase in NW Wiltshire was around 75% while in SE Wiltshire the increase was around 25%.
MARAC number of children in referrals
During 2020 there were 939 children associated with referrals discussed at MARAC meetings in Wiltshire. This is an increase of 12% on 2019.
The increase in NW Wiltshire was around 25% while in SE Wiltshire there was a slight decrease.
Source: MARAC referrals, Wiltshire Council .
Families with multiple complex needs
Trigger Trio – Families with multiple complex needs
The past few years have seen an increased awareness of the frequency with which domestic and sexual violence, substance use and mental health problems co-exist, particularly in the context of safeguarding children and young people.
Any combination of needs may be complex, not just substance use and mental health problems. As such, supporting families affected by these three issues involves exactly that – talking explicitly about domestic abuse, substance use and mental ill-health and helping them to address the impact that these issues are having on them and their family.
The data in the chart is based on the percentage of 139 children who were subject to serious case reviews (2009-11) who were affected by the trigger trio factors.
Source: Based on % of 139 children subject of serious case reviews (2009-11) who were affected by toxic trio risk factors, as identified by Brandon et el in the DFE publication of the review of Serious Case Reviews in 2009-11, published in 2012
Trigger Trio – Children & YP in Care Survey
The Department for Education (DfE) established a survey of local authorities in England to help understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on Children’s Social Care. The survey was generally fortnightly and it was local authorities who were asked to respond. The survey has found that Children Looked After (CLA) are around 6% higher than the numbers in 2018-19. The number of Children on a Child Protection Plan is now broadly similar to 2018-19, having been around 4% lower at the start of the pandemic.
While the numbers of children are higher the number of referrals during the pandemic are around 7% lower than previous years. In more recent responses to the survey, respondents have noted an increasing complexity in cases, this complexity include cases involving: elevated mental health issues amongst parents and children, neglect and emotional abuse, parental issues relating to alcohol and mental health, cases involving non-accidental injury, increases in the number of new-born children that are being presented in care proceedings, increases in cases involving young people self-harming, referrals where the family are in acute crisis and escalations of risks in cases that are already open to children’s social care.
Source: Vulnerable children and young people survey, Department for Education, extracted February 2021 .
Stalking
Stalking involves repeated unwanted communication, harassment, and intrusive behaviour. The COVID-19 pandemic creates a paradox when considering safety in the home, but it is important to recognise the dangers this presents to many victims of stalking. The COVID-19 crisis has reversed gains made by stalking victims and has imprisoned some victims in their homes making their whereabouts easier to monitor. Stalking behaviour has not ceased as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions and the risk of harm to victims remains significant.
Source: Stalking: findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales, Office for National Statistics, extracted February 2021 .
Honour based abuse
Honour based Abuse (HBA) is defined as an incident or crime involving violence, threats of violence, intimidation, coercion or abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse) which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of an individual, family and/or community for alleged or perceived breaches of the family and/or community’s code of behaviour. This includes Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage and other Crimes recorded by the police which is tagged with an HBA marker.
Female Genital Mutilation refers to the procedures that intentionally change, injure or remove the female genital organs for non-medical purposes. FGM has no medical or health benefit and can often cause a severe physical and emotional impact on the female. FGM can also cause long term problems including possible infertility or childbirth problems.
Female Genital Mutilation – Rate
In 2019-20, In Wiltshire there were around 20 FGM incidents recorded. This represented a rate of 7.9 per 100,000 females.
This is significantly lower than the England average which is more than 3 times the Wiltshire rate. The rate in the South West is nearly double the Wiltshire rate.
Female Genital Mutilation – by type
- Type 1: Partial or total removal of the clitoris.
- Type 2: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora.
- Type 3: Narrowing of the vaginal orifice.
- History of Type 3: Woman or girl had FGM Type 3, but has since been deinfibulated.
- Type 3 – Reinfibulation identified: Current state where a woman or girl has been closed previously, opened and is currently closed again.
- Type 4: All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes
Source: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Annual Report - April 2019 to March 2020 (Experimental Statistics Report), NHS Digital, extracted January 2021 .
Services in Wiltshire
Commissioned services
Commissioned services: Splitz Support service referrals
From May 2020 onwards there has generally been an increase in the number of referrals to the splitz support service.
In 2019 the average number of referrals per month was around 128, while in 2019 to M11 the average number of referrals was around 30% higher at around 166.
Commissioned services: Splitz Support service referrals by risk category
The proportion of high-risk referrals has reduced from around 50% in 2018 & 2019 to around a third in 2020.
The proportion of low-risk referrals has increased from around 10% in 2018 and 2019 to around 30% in 2020
Non-commissioned services
These provide an illustration of the services of which the council is currently aware, it is likely that other services also provide to the victims and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse.
These provide an illustration of the services of which the council is currently aware, it is likely that other services also provide to the victims and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse.