What is domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can include a single incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse, between people who are aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines the following behaviour as domestic abuse:

• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Violent or threatening behaviour.
• Controlling or coercive behaviour.
• Economic abuse.
• Psychological, emotional, or other abuse.
• Forced marriage.
• Female genital mutilation.
• So-called honour based violence.

Examples include control over family finances, intimidating language, limiting who someone socialises and talks to, emotional abuse such as insults and putting someone down. Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. Abusive behaviour through physical and psychological control can be just as serious as violent abuse. For more details and examples see the Duluth ‘power and control wheel’

Who is affected by domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is very common and can happen to people of any race, age, sexuality, religion, gender, or class. Domestic abuse is highly gendered: most domestic abuse is carried out by men and experienced by women. People with disabilities or people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are also at greater risk.

Domestic abuse can happen in relationships, with family members and with ex partners. Domestic abuse isn't just physical, there are lots of different kinds of abuse. Whilst domestic abuse is common between people that live together, it can be perpetrated from people in relationships outside of the home e.g. ex-partners or family members. A survivor might be experiencing abuse from multiple perpetrators, i.e., a romantic partner, mother, and uncle.

To be considered domestic abuse, it needs to occur between people who are aged 16 or over. Whilst children that witness, hear, or experience abuse are considered victims in their on right, any concerns about behaviour towards, or involving, young people under 16 could constitute child abuse and should be reported to Children’s safeguarding, via the MASH team.

 

Checklist:

When assessing whether a case meets the statutory definition, there are three core questions:

1.  Are they personally connected?

Meaning current or former partners, or family members

2.  Are they 16 years of age or older?

3.  Has there been a single incident or pattern of abusive behaviour? i.e., coercive control, physical abuse, FGM etc.

 

Indicators of domestic abuse:

Domestic abuse is highly prevalent: 1 in 3 women will experience it throughout their lifetime. However, indicators of domestic abuse are often misidentified, i.e., loud shouting might be seen as an anti-social behaviour issue rather than domestic abuse. This is supported by research that has shown that domestic abuse survivors are four times more likely to receive a complaint of anti-social behaviour.

For this reason, it’s important to know the common signs of domestic abuse are and to actively enquire about the tenants safety if there are any concerns.

 

Common indicators of domestic abuse are:

• Visible injuries (including bruises, scratches and/or frequent A&E presentations
• Rent arrears, debts, limited or no money, financial irregularities and evasiveness
• Witnessing abusive behaviour (aggressive, controlling, yelling, demeaning, belittling, humiliating or bullying)
• The tenant seems fearful of their partner and/or family member
• The tenant is unable to speak with you alone or in detail about their current circumstances
• The perpetrator is always present, or all contact is led by them
• Noise complaints such as banging and screaming
• The tenant is not engaging or struggling to manage appointments

If any indicators of domestic abuse are present, or if you have any concerns, you should follow the steps here: What to do if you suspect or are told about domestic abuse.

 

Looking after your own welfare

Dealing with domestic abuse can be stressful and working with survivors of domestic abuse can lead to “secondary trauma”. This can be the cumulative effect of working with survivors of traumatic life events.  Your manager will support you to build resilience to deal with difficult aspects of your work. You can also get confidential and professional advice from our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) who can provide counselling services.

Camden is committed to providing all employees with support if they are experiencing domestic abuse – click here for more information: HR DVA Policy