Safe Homes, Strong Communities for White Ribbon Day | Tenant news

White Ribbon Day (25 November) is a day dedicated to raising awareness of gender-based violence, and we want to let you know that if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, advice and support is available.

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, no matter their gender, age or cultural or economic background.

The facts

The Office for National Statistics reports that – in England and Wales - police flagged 889,441 recorded offences as domestic abuse-related in the year ending March 2023 which is a 14% increase on the number recorded in the year ending March 2020.

That includes almost 33,000 sexual offences flagged as domestic abuse-related in the year ending March 2023, which is a 32% increase compared with the year ending March 2020.

One in four women face domestic abuse at some point in their lives, and disabled women are twice as likely to experience abuse than a non-disabled woman.

Meanwhile the Mankind initiative estimate in its resource 70 Key Facts and Statistics about  Male Victims of Domestic Abuse and Partner Abuse (June 2023) that one in six to seven men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime.

What is domestic abuse?

The UK government’s definition of domestic violence is "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. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional."

Some types of abuse are more obvious than others - such as someone causing you physical pain – but it can take many forms, including:

• Taking a walking aid from you
• Hiding your medication
• Controlling access to your money
• Preventing you from seeing family members or medical professionals
• Mocking you or doing anything else to harm your dignity.

We’re here to support you

If any of the above is happening to you, our Neighbourhood Team is there to offer advice and support. You’ll also find information on how we can help on our domestic abuse web page.

If you report abuse to your Neighbourhood Coordinator, they will work with the Neighbourhood Manager and the Head of Housing to ensure you get the right support.

If you’re worried about a family member or friend who is a Habinteg tenant or a neighbour, speak to their Neighbourhood Team or call Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100.

Other organisations that can provide help, advice and support include:

• National Domestic Abuse helpline (for women only)
  0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
• Men's Advice Line
  0808 801 0327
• The National Careline (for older people)
  0800 0699 784
• ChildLine (for under 18s)
  0800 1111.

To find your local domestic abuse support service, search on Women’s Aid for information on support services for men and women.