Domestic and Sexual Violence

Question 1

What are some of the statistics of domestic abuse in the UK?

Answer 1

At least 1/3rd of women will experience in their lifetime.
1/6th of men will experience domestic violence.
20% of women and 4% of men will experience rape or sexual assault

Question 2

What can abusers use in terms of power and control?

Answer 2

• Using male privilege,
• Using economic abuse,
• Using coercion and threats,
• Using intimidation,
• Using emotional abuse,
• Using isolation,
• Minimizing denying and blame,
• Using children

Question 3

What are some signs of abuse?

Answer 3

• Marks and brusing,
• Multiple pregnancies, multiple terminations, repeated STIs and UTIs, long term GI symptoms,
• Injuries and long term pain,
• Dissociation, anxiety, low mood, poor self esteem, emotional dysregulation, intoxication, sleep disorder and self ideation

Question 4

How can you go about enquiring about the abuse?

Answer 4

• Create an environment that allows for a friendly environment.
• Asking; Is everything okay? are you feeling afraid?
• The responding by acting upon a disclosure of abuse

Question 5

What can you do in terms of responding to abuse?

Answer 5

• Establish immediate safety,
• Safeguarding children,
• Signposting to relevant charities.
• Referring to charities,
• Ongoing safety