Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one off incident. It is more usually part of a recurring pattern of abusive and violent behaviour which is frequently not reported.
One fifth of all recorded violent crime occurs within such domestic relationships. On average two women per week lose their lives as a result of domestic violence. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic violence at some time in their lives. (British Crime Survey on Inter-personal Violence 2001)
The Government response to Domestic Violence sends a clear message that it is unacceptable and perpetrators will not be tolerated. Legislation has been put in place through the 'Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004', which includes a provision that makes Common Assault (one of the most frequent crimes associated with Domestic Violence) an arrestable offence. Special Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs), and Homicide Reviews are being introduced to improve the criminal justice interventions for domestic violence cases. Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) are being recruited and trained to provide support to victims / survivors.
Recognising the drain Domestic Violence makes on Local Authority services such as Housing and Social Services, the Government has set a Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI 225) for local authorities to assess the overall provision and effectiveness of local authority services designed to help victims of domestic violence and to prevent further domestic violence.
At a regional level the Government Office for the South West (GOSW) has a Regional Domestic Violence Lead Officer, who supports the development of local services and monitors the performance of Domestic Violence interventions across the region.
At a local level, Domestic Violence Co-ordinators support multi-agency partnerships and forums in the delivery of comprehensive domestic violence services in line with the National Action Plan and other Government directives and guidance.
Contact details of the South West Domestic Violence Co-ordinators can be downloaded below.
For more details on the nature and extent of Domestic Violence, please see the link to the Women's Aid website below.
