What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic Abuse has a devastating effect on victims, their families and the wider community, regardless of age, wealth, race, culture, geography, social background or sexual orientation. One in four women will be affected in their lifetimes.

“By making that phone call I have got my life back... I am no longer ashamed of what happened to me.”“My story shows that it happens to women from all walks of life; it doesn’t matter where you come from, or what you do, it does not discriminate.” - One woman's story

The government has defined Domestic Violence as:

“Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or who have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.”*

They have also clarified the definition to incorporate forced marriage, female genital mutilation, ‘honour’ killings, and elder abuse when committed within the family or by an intimate partner.

This definition is designed to encourage consistency across all agencies working with people experiencing Domestic Violence. Commonly, physical abuse has been perceived as ‘more serious’ than emotional abuse, however the Second London DV Strategy states:

“Many abused women define the psychological effects of Domestic Violence as having a more profound effect on their lives than the physical violence, even where there has been life threatening or disabling physical violence.”*

The effects of Domestic Violence are as diverse as the individuals experiencing it; including physical injury and mental health issues inevitably effecting women, their children and their wider families. The human and emotional cost of Domestic Violence cannot just be counted in terms of service provision; a reduction of incidents in human terms would be priceless

The effects of Domestic Violence

“BWA reached out to me and provided me with a sanctuary.” - One woman's story

The adverse effects of domestic violence can in some cases be short-lived; in many cases they cause long-term serious harm to a person’s ability to function; and in the most serious of cases, they can be life-threatening. The effects of domestic violence can vary from person to person but will generally include the following:

• Makes you believe that you are stupid, useless, worthless, powerless and that you deserve to be abused
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Injuries and deaths caused due to physical violence
• Psychological effects if sexually assaulted
• Break down of family unit and relationships
• Mental health problems e.g. eating disorders, depression and anxiety in mothers and their children
• Other related health problems that can last for a long time
• Effects on children’s social, emotional and cognitive development
• Children’s behaviour problems both at school and at home
• Abused children or children who have witnessed domestic violence are more likely to be either abusers or victims themselves.

BWA works closely with other agencies to provide services for women experiencing Domestic Violence, with the ultimate goal to reduce incidents of abuse. The local focus and knowledge built over the years places BWA in a unique position to help women of Bromley and its locality through the trust and reputation it has established in the area.

“BWA has helped by giving me lots of information and advice. They have given me the confidence to get through.” - One woman's story