What is Domestic Violence?

The new cross-Government definition of domestic violence and abuse from March 2013 is:

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:

This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

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.

 

Dorset Police Domestic Abuse Awareness Campaign

Please click here for further information.

 

What is Claire’s Law?

Claire’s law is a way of checking if your partner has a history of domestic violence. For more information about how to make a request for information, visit here.

 

National Domestic Violence Helpline:

24-hour helpline, 0808 2000 247

www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

 

Please be aware that Nigel Bowes Academy work with the Police via Children’s services to be alerted that a domestic abuse incident has occurred at the home of a child. However, routinely the detail of the incident will not be shared with the school unless there are other concerns about a child’s welfare.

For more information about Domestic Violence and support please visit here.