What is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month?

My colleagues and myself are often asked ‘what is domestic abuse awareness month?’  To anyone working in the violence against women and girls’ sector, we know that the month of October, although not officially recognised, is a chance to raise awareness, show support for victims and survivors and promote action against all forms of abuse in relationships.  Of course, we do all this all year round if we get a chance but the month of October is a time when organisations, local councils and charities can really focus their efforts during:

• 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (25^th November – 10^th December)
• Campaigns during October and November by other charities and councils

So, I thought I would write this blog for all the people that are not sure what the domestic abuse awareness month is and why it is so important.  To do this, we need to go back to basics!

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is about more than physical violence.  It includes a wide range of harmful behaviours that a partner, ex-partner, or family member may use in order to control, intimidate, or harm someone.

In England and Wales, The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, defines domestic abuse as the following:

The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) makes clear that domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence and can include a range of coercive behaviours. It can be a single event, or repeated patterns of abuse, to maintain power and control in a relationship. It is defined as:

Any incident or pattern of incidents between those aged 16 years and over who are “personally connected” because they:

• Are a current or former partner
• Are a relative
• Have or have had a parental relationship in relation to the same child

The Act outlines the following behaviours as abuse:

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Violent or threatening behaviour
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• Economic abuse
• Psychological, emotional, or other abuse

It recognises children as victims in their own right who are related or have a parental relationship to the adult victim or perpetrator, and who see, hear, or are impacted by the abuse.

Why does Domestic Abuse Awareness Matter?

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), millions of people across the UK are experiencing domestic abuse in one form or another.  You will almost definitely know someone that is experiencing it!

• An estimated 2.1 million adults aged 16 to 74 experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. And these are just the ones we know about!
• The majority of victims are women but men can be affected too
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse
• Many victims suffer in silence due to fear, stigma, or lack of support

Raising awareness is important if we are going to:

• Break the silence and stigma surrounding abuse
• Encourage victims and survivors to seek help (often the abuse continues long after the victim has left her abuser
• Educate the public on the signs of abuse and healthy relationships
• Promote services and support for survivors

Key campaign and dates in the UK

Although the UK does not have a nationally recognised ‘Domestic Abuse Awareness Month’, most of the key events happen around October and November.

16 days of Action (25^th Nov – 10^th Dec

This is a global campaign which starts on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25^th November) and ends on Human Rights Day (10^th December).  Lots of organisations and charities run events during this time.

White Ribbon Day (25^th November)

This is a UK movement where men and boys are encouraged to stand up against male violence towards women and girls.  It is part of the global White Ribbon Campaign.

Local Council Campaigns

This is when many UK councils, police forces, charities and other domestic abuse organisations, promote awareness and support during October, including outreach events, posters, social media campaigns, and education programmes.

How can you get involved?

Anyone and everyone can get involved in raising awareness and it doesn’t just have to be during October.  Whether you know someone who is experiencing domestic abuse, experiencing domestic abuse yourself or simply, just want to help, here is a few things you can do:

• Wear a white ribbon to show your support for victims and survivors
• Share resources on social media using hashtags like #YouAreNotAlone #MakingDomesticAbuseSociallyUnnaceptable
• Volunteer for your local refuge service. Refuges always need volunteers.
• Educate yourself and others about recognising abuse and responding safely
• Make a donation to a domestic abuse organisation.

If you would like to donate to the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV), please click on the following link https://www.ncdv.org.uk/support-us/

If you or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse there is help available:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7)

Call:  0808 200 0247

• Refuge

www.refuge.org.uk

• Men’s Advice Line

Call: 0808 801 0327

• The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV)

Call:  0800 970 2070

In an emergency, please call the police – 999

Sharon Bryan

Head of Partnerships & Development – NCDV