Domestic violence includes any form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse between people within a close relationship.
It affects women, men and children, and can happen in any family, immaterial of class, religion or culture. One in 5 adults experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Domestic violence not only damages the women or men suffering abuse, both mentally and physically, but any children within the family group. Constantly witnessing domestic violence can teach the children that it is a legitimate response to problems, or it can make them fearful and withdrawn from life. One in four women and one in six men suffers domestic abuse.
For further information on domestic violence and abuse:
Coastal Action Against Abuse (CAAA) is a group of professionals who work in partnership to raise public and professional awareness and understanding of the impact of domestic violence/abuse on victims, their families and the wider community.
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse; information about support services can be found at on the New Dawn website.
The Waveney Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum which has been established for over 30 years and is a voluntary, non profit making organisation. Its aim is to reduce and prevent domestic abuse. It works locally, with over 40 statutory and voluntary agencies, to help people escape domestic violence and abuse, and to also support them in the community.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
You should always call 999 in an emergency or if you or someone else is in immediate danger. If speaking or making a sound would put you in danger, stay on the line and press 55 when prompted - the call will be transferred to the police who'll know it's an emergency.
Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDRs)
A Domestic Abuse Related Death Review (DARDR), formerly known as Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHR), is completed where a person has died as a result of abuse, violence or neglect by a relative, intimate partner or member of the same household.
They were established on a statutory basis under Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act (2004).
DARDRs are led by the Community Safety Partnership to ensure that lessons are learnt when a person has died as a result of domestic abuse, either by homicide or suicide.
An independent chair is appointed and will aim to make contact with friends and family, to gather information required that builds a picture leading up to the death.
Home Office guidance on when a domestic homicide review needs to be carried out and how to do this
Domestic Homicide Review Toolkit - Guide to Overview Report Writing
Our domestic abuse and homelessness advice provides further information and contact details