More than 30% of domestic violence victims are male.

October 2, 2012 at 2:26 pm | Posted in Domestic Violence, Men | 1 Comment
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Many of the orders we receive in relation to domestic abuse are instigated by a female victim. It is, however, very important to note that it is not only women who become victims of abuse. Research shows that roughly 30% of domestic violence involves a man being abused by a woman. In fact, one in six men will become a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime but evidence suggests that the issue far more widespread than the figures show.

Since domestic violence became more of an issue in the late 60s and early 70s, government policy and funding has tended to focus predominantly on women as the victims. This is still largely the case, although many studies show that there is a substantial level of male victimisation. The polarisation of has resulted in a lack of resources for the needs of male victims, but this has started to become addressed recently. Unfortunately though there is still quite a lack of support services and information about those services that do exist for male victims of domestic abuse.

Although the experiences of male and female victims are extremely similar, male victims have been seen to have a greater reluctance to report what is happening for fear of disbelief or ridicule. Aswell as this, there is a highlighted risk of isolation as nearly half of male victims who reported abuse against them were then excluded from the family home and many lost meaningful or any contact with their children who usually remained with the violent mother.

An example of the extent to which male victims will refuse to seek help can be seen in such stories as that of Ian McNicholl, which can be read here.

At i-docServe Ltd we believe that domestic violence is unacceptable and should not be tolerated regardless of whether the victim is male or female.

 

What is domestic violence?

October 2, 2012 at 10:51 am | Posted in Domestic Violence | Leave a comment
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At i-docServe Ltd, we process a large number of domestic violence based court orders, such as Non-Molestation and Prohibited Steps orders to prevent communication between the perpetrators and victims of abuse. Because of this it is really important that we are fully aware of what domestic abuse entails and how it affects society as a whole, in order to highlight the importance and urgency of each and every case.

Though domestic abuse comprises a number of different behaviours, there is no single crime entitled “domestic violence”. Many of the behaviours are criminal offences, however, and these have increased following the recent change in the definition of domestic abuse. This can include harassment, assault, criminal damage, sexual assault or false imprisonment amongst other actions. Successful prosecutions for domestic violence cases are at their highest, rising to 91,000 cases a year. The conviction rate now stands at 73% compared to 69% in 2007-08. Unfortunately though, not all forms of domestic abuse are illegal, particularly emotional abuse. Nevertheless this can have just as much of an impact upon a person’s well-being.

Aswell as greatly affecting individuals, domestic violence also costs society £23 billion per year. This is comprised of a £3.1 billion cost to the state, a £1.3 billion cost to employers and a £17 billion human suffering cost. These statistics are however recognised as an under-estimate, as public services do not collect information on the cost of their services as a direct result of domestic violence.

Though it is a much hidden crime, domestic violence is very common. Research has shown that it can affect as many as one in four women in their lifetimes and roughly 30% of domestic violence cases involve male victims. Domestic violence accounts for between 16% and one quarter of all recorded violent crime.

In any one year, there are 13 million separate incidents of physical violence or threats of violence against woman alone from partners or former partners. This shows just how prevalent a crime domestic abuse, considering that so much of it is still hidden and unreported.

 

All statistics in this post have been found at the following website.

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