What we know

Domestic abuse is largely a hidden crime occurring primarily at home. It takes place in all types of relationships including heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender relationships. We also need to recognise that domestic abuse occurs outside of intimate relationships and provide appropriate responses (DHR 3). It can involve other family members, including children and young people. Guided by the principles of the national strategy Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (2021), we recognise that women are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse. We recognise that whilst there is a gendered element to domestic abuse men and boys can experience domestic abuse also. Across Cheshire Police footprint, approximately 72 per cent of victims of domestic abuse are female and 28 per cent are male. This strategy is committed to ensuring that any person who is harmed or at risk of being harmed will receive a sensitive and appropriate response, irrespective of their gender.

Domestic abuse is inherently complex. It presents a great number of overlapping issues, including links to mental health, physical and learning disabilities, housing, crime and anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse and safeguarding.

Disabled people experience disproportionately higher rates of domestic abuse. They also experience domestic violence and abuse for longer periods of time and can suffer more severe and frequent abuse than non-disabled people. The reasons for this are complex, they may:

have low self-esteem and lack confidence. Peer support and assertiveness training can all help to build up a stronger sense of self.
be socially isolated.
have a natural desire for companionship and intimacy; but lack opportunities to meet people. This can lead to people accepting advances and entering relationships with predatory partners, as they may fear it is their only chance of a relationship.
lack the knowledge about how to leave an abusive relationship, where to go, sources of support, etc. People with learning disabilities need accessible information and someone they trust to tell them directly that they do not need to put up with abuse. Advice on how to safely leave a violent relationship is essential.
fear having their children taken away if they report domestic abuse.

There is no evidence to suggest that some black and ethnic communities experience more domestic abuse than others, however forms of abuse can differ. Some minority groups may suffer domestic abuse from extended family or community members, and the abuse may include forced marriage, ‘honour-based’ violence or female genital mutilation. Whatever the experience, it is likely that victims from black and ethnic communities will face additional barriers to accessing help and support and may face racism or fear isolation from their families and communities if they leave an abusive relationship.

Learning from case reviews tells us that when we see honour-based violence, we need to ensure that we do not make assumptions about culture. We need to understand bicultural conflict and honour dynamics. We need to understand the challenges and barriers victims of honour-based violence and bicultural conflict can face seeking help. It is very important that we hear the voices of children to truly understand how they perceive their identify.

Older people harmed due to domestic abuse can face significant barriers when asking for help or when trying to leave an abusive relationship. These barriers can be severe for older people who may have been subject to years of prolonged abuse, are isolated within a particular community through language or culture, are experiencing long term health impacts or disabilities, or those who are reliant on their abuser for their care or money. Older people are almost equally as likely to be killed by a partner/spouse (46 per cent) as they are their (adult) children or grandchildren (44 per cent). There is a role for the Care Quality Commission to play in ensuring there are sufficient safeguards in place to prevent abuse by anyone paid to provide care.

Research suggests that women experiencing domestic abuse are more likely to experience a mental health problem. Domestic abuse is associated with depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and substance abuse in the general population. It is reported that 30 - 60 per cent of women with a mental health report experiencing domestic abuse.

Exposure to domestic abuse also has a significant impact on children's mental health. Many studies have found strong links with poorer educational outcomes and higher levels of mental health problems.

Domestic abuse has been a feature in several Serious Case Reviews and this learning, along with that from local and national Domestic Homicide Reviews informs this strategy. Learning from local DHRs indicates that there is a link between domestic abuse and suicide. Chronicity of abuse, when embedded within a relationship that ought to be based on love and trust, can be particularly injurious at a psychological level and increase the risk of suicide. Trauma focused professionals who ask victims "what happened to you?" rather than "what is wrong with you?" and who recognise the relevance of both the person's abusive relationship and the broader social context in which they find themselves, are key.

These complexities highlight that addressing domestic abuse cannot be the responsibility of one single agency. Moreover, it cannot be understood by statistics alone. Across west Cheshire all agencies have a desire to have an offer that is nuanced and responds to domestic abuse in all its forms. Multi-agency working in west Cheshire is a strength and we have a strong history of working together to tackle domestic abuse.