Updated March 2025

Domestic Abuse

It is estimated that 1 in 5 children are living in a household where Domestic Abuse is present. The effect that Domestic Abuse has on children can be profound, traumatic and cumulative, and can go undetected. It is estimated that only 17% of victims report their abuse to the police.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children as victims if they see, hear or experience the effects of abuse between two personally connected individuals who are aged 16 or over. Any abusive behaviour directed at a person under the age of 16, however, is classed as child abuse, rather than domestic abuse.

Domestic Abuse is defined as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: Psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional”.

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What constitutes as Abuse?

  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Psychological or emotional abuse
  • Economic abuse
  • Violent or threatening behaviour
  • Controlling or coercive behaviour

The behaviour can be a single incident or ongoing and can be one or many of the behaviours listed above. Physical abuse may include withdrawing food or sleep, handing out punishment, rape, forced prostitution, revenge porn or unconsented recording of sex. A victim may not be allowed to socialise or to claim their own benefits in order for the perpetrator to control the victim.

Stalking and Harassment, Female Genital Mutilation, Honor Based Abuse and Forced Marriage is also a form of Domestic Abuse.

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Multi agency MARAC training

Download the Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) resources to add to your single agency training.

What is MARAC? MARAC is a meeting where agencies from the Wakefield District meet on a 2 weekly basis, covering 25-30 cases per meeting, to share information about high risk domestic abuse victims, with a mixture of new cases, repeats and transfers

This group focus on adult victims and their families.

If you require any bespoke or individual training needs get in touch with the team at wakefield.marac@westyorkshire.police.uk

Domestic Abuse Podcasts & Video's

RED FLAGS Domestic Abuse Film 2022 – Doncaster Youth Council on Coercive Control

Why doesn’t she just leave?

Women’s Refuge

For victims of domestic abuse it may take many attempts to finally achieve safety. On average it takes a victim 7 attempts to leave an abuser.

“Why doesn’t she just leave?” This question is often posed to Women’s Refuge, and aims to explain why so much professional and knowledgeable support is required when a victim of family violence decides to leave.

Survivor Ted Talk – Emma's Real Life

Emma is now a Domestic Abuse Advocate, raising awareness for victims and survivors who cannot speak for themselves. Watch the video to hear Emma's story.

WARNING: This presentation contains a real life video which some people may find upsetting

To view the WSCP presentation on Emma's 'Real Life Domestic Abuse story' above click here.

Domestic Abuse Act 2021

by The Wakefield Strategic Domestic Abuse Team

Wakefield Strategic Domestic Abuse Team provide an overview of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, delivered as part of Safeguarding Week 2022.

*Please excuse the fire alarm drill interruptions during the first 30 minutes of the presentation*

Female Genital Mutilation

FGM – Recognising & Preventing FGM by Home Office & Virtual College

The training will help a wide range of professionals to identify and assist girls who are at risk of FGM. This course is useful for anyone who is interested in gaining an overview of FGM, particularly frontline staff in healthcare, police, border force and children’s social care.

Click here to access this e-learning

FGM & its devasting affects years on

Mama Sylla's personal experience on the devastating effects of FGM

Click here to listen to the podcast

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Forced Marriage & Honour Based Abuse

Forced Marriage is illegal in the UK. If you are worried that someone is being forced into a non-consensual marriage it is important to act fast!

Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse by Kerry Murphy, Community Cohesion Manager, Wakefield Council

Definition, Detection, Identification & pathways. 45 mins

Click here to view presentation

Awareness of Forced Marriage by Virtual College

It is estimated that approximately 8,000 to 10,000 forced marriages of British citizens take place every year often resulting in devastating long term consequences for the victims.

Access Virtual College training

Access HM Government Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines

Foced Marriage Surviviros Handbook

Building Confidence to Challenge Honour Based Abuse by Karma Nirvana

This workshop is aimed at professionals who would like to increase confidence when challenging Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage

Click here to book onto this workshop

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FGM Guidance

FGM Guidance

Multi Agency Training on FGM, Breast Ironing and Child Abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFAB)

Domestic Abuse Events

Domestic Abuse Events

Domestic Abuse Resource Event

The Learning Academy are hosting a Domestic Abuse Resource Event. With over 20 stalls in attendance, find resources, support and advice from charities/partners and professionals within the Wakefield District.

Held at the Chesney Centre, Featherstone, WF7 5EW (Room 1), on Tuesday 18th November 2025, drop in anytime between 09:30-12:30.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Learning Academy, learningacademy@wakefield.gov.uk.

One Minute Guides
  • Text link image Controlling and Coercive Behaviour
    Show details
    Controlling and Coercive behaviour is a pattern of behaviour which aims to strip away the victim’s sense of self, their freedoms and choice. It is a common tactic used by perpetrators of domestic abuse but can often be difficult to identify by both the victim and professional.

    To read more about the legal implications, procedures and how to support victims of domestic abuse, visit this one minute guide here.

  • Text link image Domestic Homicide Reviews
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    DHR’s are part of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and became law in April 2011. This one minute guide explores what a Domestic Homicide Review is, including its purpose, process, and timescales.

    To read more please visit this one minute guide here.

Domestic Abuse Campaigns
  • Text link image 16 Days of Action 2024
    Show details
    - Make-up with Maddie

    Wakefield Council is releasing four ground-breaking videos during the 16 days of action (25th November – 10th December 2024) – a campaign to end domestic violence and abuse.

    The series of videos follow ‘Maddie’, a beauty vlogger. As she talks about her experience and that of other survivors she has met on her journey. The videos portray the realities of domestic abuse and at the same time are relatable. We want people to realise it affects people just like them and can often go unseen.
     
    The videos were inspired by the stories of local victims of domestic abuse. Including that of a child who witnessed their parent experience abuse. It’s important to remember that children are victims too and they often see and hear more than parents think.  
     
    Maddie’s experience of domestic abuse wasn’t physical. It was controlling and left her feeling like a ghost. The stories highlight that there are many types of abuse, and anyone can be the victim or abuser. The final video will focus on a potential abuser. They realise their behaviour is hurting the person they love. But the first step to making a change is to ask for help.
     
    Over 10,000 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in the Wakefield district over the last 12 months. That is 10,000 too many. So, it’s important that we continue to raise awareness of the impacts of domestic abuse and the support available to victims.

    Read more on the campaign by clicking here.

  • Text link image #SafeSummer 2024
    Show details
    The West Yorkshire Police campaign aims to raise awareness of crimes such as domestic abuse, drink driving, one punch manslaughter and sexual assault during the summer months.

    View the West Yorkshire Police SafeSummer webpage here

  • Text link image #YouAreNotAlone
    Show details
    A public awareness raising campaign highlighting that if anyone is at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse, help is still available.

    Visit Refuge website here

Domestic Abuse Downloadable Resources
List of acronymns for domestic abuse support in Wakefield

Right click on the image above to save the acronym buster

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Access support for Domestic Abuse

There are many local and national organisations that help support people around Domestic Abuse issues. Take a look at some of the links below to access training, resources, helplines, further information, injunctions and more.

  • IDAS – a specialist charity in the North who offer support for all victims of DA, training and women’s refuges. Click here to view their latest online courses. Click here to view their latest training opportunities
  • NCDV – offer a free emergency injuction for victims of DA, referral guidance and training opportunities.
  • Mind – offer support options to victims of any type of abuse.
  • Women’s Aid – helping women to leave their relationships safely.
  • OPOKA – help women and children in the Polish community improve health, well-being, financial stability, and happiness by stopping domestic abuse, also offer safehouses and workshops as well as training
  • RASAC – Women only safe spaces, offering therapeutic and advisory services for people, aged 13+, who have experienced rape, sexual and domestic abuse, at any time in their lives, living in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.
  • SoundproofBox.org – Offer support for survivors of Domestic Abuse. From resources to support groups to coaching.
  • Wakefield Well Women centre – provides mental health, emotional and practical support in a women only space. Supporting women of 16 and above to provide a holistic, non-medical approach to helping improve women’s mental health and well-being. Partners with Turning Point Talking Therapies.
  • GASPED – Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse: Offering a safe space for men, in the Wakefield District, who have been affected by Domestic Abuse, to talk openly. They also have a page supporting Male Victims of Sexual Abuse.