Domestic violence

Admitting to yourself and others that you are experience domestic violence is very difficult but it's the first step towards getting help.

What is domestic violence?

Physical (being hit)
Sexual (rape or degrading treatment)
Emotional or psychological (being told that you are worthless)
Financial (having money withheld)
Social (not being allowed to see friends and family or make decisions for yourself)

No matter how you experience domestic violence, it almost always gets worse over time. It is not your fault and you do not deserve it.

The Safer Knowsley Partnership provides early identification plans and an improved response to domestic violence.

Specialist Domestic Violence Courts are in place, where perpetrators of domestic violence will be fast-tracked through the criminal justice system. Specially trained magistrates will hear cases of this type, and this will ensure that offenders are dealt with swiftly and robustly.
Independent advocates are available to support victim survivors in high risk cases providing advice and information at the point of crisis.
The Knowsley Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a multi agency approach to supporting high risk victim survivors of domestic violence and any children involved.
Help and support is promoted throughout the year. Such campaigns include the White Ribbon Campaign, an annual event encouraging people to wear a white ribbon and pledging never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The Freedom Programme is offered in Knowsley, aimed at providing women with knowledge around the issues of what domestic violence is and how perpetrators use a variety of different tactics to control them. For further details contact Knowsley Domestic Violence Support Services (KDVSS) on 0151 548 3333.
KDVSS offers a range of services for those involved in abusive relationships including the InPact Programme which is designed to help men who wish to address their abusive behaviour.

One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime.
One woman every three days is killed by a current or former partner.
In the UK, police receive a call every 60 seconds about domestic abuse, yet it is estimated that only 40.2 per cent of incidents are reported.
750,000 children witness domestic violence every year and around half of them have been abused.
During 2007/08, Knowsley Domestic Violence Support Services (KDVSS) directly supported 866 victims and survivors of domestic violence in Knowsley.
During 2007/08 KDVSS also directly and indirectly supported 1,444 children affected by domestic violence.

The Safer Knowsley Partnership is committed to tackling domestic abuse in Knowsley. View the reduction strategy in full.