The definition of domestic abuse
has been widened to cover psychological intimidation and
controlling behaviour and apply to victims under the age 18. The
Government revised definition of domestic violence and abuse now
states:
Any incident or pattern of
incidents of controlling, coercive or 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. This can encompass but is not limited to the following
types of abuse:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
Controlling behaviour is: a range
of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by
isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources
and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means
needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their
everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is: an act or a
pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation
or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their
victim."
This definition, which is not a
legal definition, is clear that victims are not confined to
one gender or ethnic group. It also includes honour based
abuse, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced
marriage.
The Freedom
Programme provides a range of resources to address
male violence against women. In Barnsley further help and
support is provided by Pathways
(Barnsley Domestic Violence Group)
A number of Serious Case Reviews
have featured domestic abuse as a factor. The NSPCC has
published a
thematic briefing that pulls together and
highlights the learning from case reviews into the death or serious
injury of a child where domestic abuse was a key factor, based
on case reviews published since 2011.
Barnsley Safeguarding Children Board Policies and
Procedures are available
here