Domestic Violence Awareness Month was established in the USA, by The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a non profitable organisation, in 1981. At that time, it was a day of unity, bringing together advocates for women living with the impact of domestic abuse.
Around the same time in the UK, there was increased awareness of domestic abuse within society; the first safe house for women and children escaping Domestic Violence was established in 1971 in Chiswick, West London.
Today, Refuge is a UK charity providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
Alongside, the Women’s Aid Federation of England was established in 1974 with the aim to end domestic violence against women and children. There are now four Women’s Aid Federations, one for each of the countries in the UK.
October was first declared National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the USA in 1989. Since then, it has been used as a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims.
Since then there have been significant movements and recognition in societies across the world of this very important issue.
Currently, within the UK we have the Domestic Abuse Bill 2019-2020 that has been passed through the House of Commons, and will progress to the second stage.
The definition of Domestic Abuse was defined by Government in 2012 as follows:
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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.
Examples of domestic abuse are as follows:
- Physical abuse or threats of physical abuse
- Sexual abuse or a threat of sexual abuse
- Emotional, verbal and psychological abuse
- Destructive criticism and verbal abuse
- Pressure tactics
- Isolation
- Economic abuse (including not paying household bills, selling/ giving away property without the others consent, withholding money)
- Stalking
- Damage to or destruction of property
Domestic abuse is a major public health problem and a violation of human rights. It affects the mental and physical health of an individual, the family - particularly children - and society at large.
Global estimates published by the World Health Organization (WHO) state that 1 in 3 women have experienced some form of domestic violence during their lifetime. Within England and Wales, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic violence during their lifetime.
The incidence of Domestic Abuse has increased dramatically during the Covid Pandemic. It is estimated that there has been a 35% increase and refuge centres are struggling to cope. The United Nations has described the worldwide increase in Domestic Violence as a ‘Shadow Pandemic’ alongside Covid.
Although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence over the years, an average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. These individuals live in silent fear within their own homes, whilst children are exposed to experiences that can have a lasting effect on their lives. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.
Hence, Incidents of domestic violence affect every person within a home and can have long-lasting negative effects on children's emotional, social wellbeing and academic functioning.
We must therefore continue to create awareness of this very important
issue and work together to assist any one in such a situation with utmost confidentiality and to the best of our ability.
Please remember the Jamati Institutions are here to assist you.
“Among the believers who show most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition, and are kindest to their families”. - Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family)
If you are experiencing abuse, please reach out and begin the journey to end an abusive situation. Call your GP, a trusted relative or friend. Alternatively, contact the police, a domestic abuse helpline or our Jamati institutions on the numbers below:
UK Police
999 press 55 when prompted if you can't speak
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Telephone 0808 2000 247
Website nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line
Telephone 0808 8010 327
Social Welfare Board
Email [email protected] (link sends e-mail)
National Conciliation and Arbitration Board
Telephone 07714 330698
Email [email protected] (link sends e-mail)
Coronavirus support team in your country
Website https://the.ismaili/uk/coronavirus-support-team-helpline
