Domestic Abuse...there is NO EXCUSE

The Multi-Agency Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women Partnership

As the title suggests, the Strategy Group is responsible for the development of a local strategy to tackle domestic abuse throughout the region. This three year strategy will focus on prevention, protection, provision as well as the locally identified priorities of partnership and progress. The DASG consists of representatives from:

Dumfries and Galloway Council (Education and Community Services and Corporate Services) NHS Dumfries and Galloway The Voluntary Sector (Women's Aid and the South West Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre) Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary The Procurator Fiscal's Office The Reporter to the Children's Panel and A local solicitor specialising in family law

The Domestic Abuse Strategy Group recognise that violence and abuse against groups other than women takes place (for example, against men, in same sex relationships and/or by other family members). We acknowledge that some groups experience more abuse than others and that for domestic abuse there is a clear gender divide with abuse being experienced by women and perpetrated by men.

The National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse defines domestic abuse as "Domestic abuse (as gender-based abuse), can be perpetrated by partners or ex-partners and can include physical abuse (assault and physical attack involving a range of behaviour), sexual abuse (acts which degrade and humiliate women and are perpetrated against their will, including rape) and mental and emotional abuse (such as threats, verbal abuse, racial abuse, withholding money and other types of controlling behaviour such as isolation from family or friends).

The Scottish Government have published research into domestic abuse by females towards males, and the results of this research are published on the Scottish Government.

In Scotland, Domestic Abuse affects 1 in 5 women at some point in their lives. 

We say this is 1 in 5 too many; no one should suffer domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse can happen to any woman regardless of age, nationality or social status.  Women do not "ask for it", it isn't caused by stress, illness, alcohol or lack of money.  Domestic abuse is about power and control - with one partner feeling that they have the right to control the other.

Domestic abuse also affects children with 90% being in the same or next room during an attack.  (Hughes, 1998)

If you are currently, or have previously, experienced domestic abuse, you can be certain that you will receive an understanding and sympathetic response should you ask for help.

Further information, help and support can be found on the Domestic Abuse MiniWeb.