Domestic violence and abuse is a pattern of behaviour designed to establish and maintain power and control over another person.

’Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners regardless of gender. It will also include family members.’ Domestic violence and abuse accounts for a quarter of all violent crime. It is a serious and life-harming offence affecting the lives of one in four families in Suffolk, across all social, economic, or geographic boundaries and regardless of age, race or sexual orientation. Although there are male victims, it is a crime that is primarily perpetrated by men on female partners or men on male partners within the home.

Children were present at more than 55 per cent of incidents reported to the police last year and the impact on individuals’ health and well-being is substantial. Victims of domestic violence have often been abused over long periods of time before contacting the Police or seeking support from other agencies, and many feel they are trapped in situations that they cannot readily leave.