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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”.
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.
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
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Challenging safe spaces Safeguarding days podcast
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Mental Health and childhood experiences of DA SafeLives podcast
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Coercive Control story & advice (Trigger Warning) safe & Together Institute podcast
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Coercive Control in Children & Mother's lives Safe & Together Institute podcast
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.
Where can you go for more information
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Directory of Domestic Abuse SupportFind out more
Access Local and National advice on domestic abuse, perpetrator support and other useful information
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Requesting information under Claire's LawFind out more
If someone is in danger of Domestic Abuse, 'Claire's Law' enables the Police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. Download the Claire's Law ppt slides to add to your own training here
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Wakefield Council WebsiteFind out more
For more information about the local offer around Domestic Abuse, incuding how to report it, WDDAS, victim and perpetrator advice and to download the #SilentSolution Guide visit the Safer Together website.
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DASH Risk ChecklistFind out more
Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment (DASH) risk checklist can be accessed in many different languages from the Safe Lives website
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Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service (WDDAS)Find out more
If you would like support and advice around domestic abuse, you can contact WDDAS or report the abuse. Call WDDAS direct on 0800 915 1561
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GASPEDFind out more
GASPED has secured funding to provide support to male victims of domestic abuse, living in the District of Wakefield.
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
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
FGM Guidance
Multi Agency Training on FGM, Breast Ironing and Child Abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFAB)
- Click here to access training (NB this is an external provider with no affiliation to WSCP and may have cost implications).
- Statutory Guidance: Click here to access guidance
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.
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Controlling and Coercive Behaviour 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.
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Domestic Homicide Reviews 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.
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16 Days of Action 2024 - Make-up with MaddieWakefield 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. -
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#SafeSummer 2024 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. -
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#YouAreNotAlone A public awareness raising campaign highlighting that if anyone is at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse, help is still available.
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Posters, leaflets, business cards and screensaversShow detailsDownload the resources by either clicking on the link or by right clicking on your mouse and clicking 'save as' on each image below
1. Help for men suffering from Domestic Abuse
2. Domestic Abuse A3 Poster
3. Domestic Abuse business cards
4. Domestic Abuse A4 posters
5. Domestic Abuse 4 page leaflet
6. Screensaver 1
7. Screensaver 2
8. Screensaver 3
Right click on the image above to save the acronym buster
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.