Facts & Figures

Extent of the problem

Domestic violence is a complex issue that affects many people in Bedfordshire. It is very common. Domestic violence occurs in the home, a setting which is perceived as a 'safe haven'. Yet the home is the most likely place for a woman or child to be physically or sexually assaulted or emotionally abused. People who experience domestic violence will often find it difficult to seek and obtain assistance.

Facts & Figures

• 1 in 4 women will suffer domestic violence in their life time and 1 in 6 men.
• over 2 women a week will die as a result of domestic violence and about 60 men a year will also die as a result of domestic violence
• one incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute of every day of the year.
• on average there will have been 35 assaults before the police are called.
• domestic violence accounts for 16-25% of all violent crime.
• domestic violence affects all groups irrespective of race, religion, social group, location, culture, gender or sexuality.
• 35% of households that experience a first assault will experience a second within five weeks.
• domestic violence is a serious health issue which can result in broken bones, wounds, tiredness, depression, stress related illness or self harm among others.
• 30% of domestic violence starts or escalates during pregnancy.
• The link between child physical abuse and domestic violence is high.

Impact of Domestic Violence

• The psychological impact of domestic violence includes anxiety, depression, fear, panic attacks, helplessness, panic attacks, suicide, lowered sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
• Women who have experienced abuse are:
  • 5 times more likely to attempt suicide
  • 3 times more likely to be diagnosed as depressed or psychotic
  • 15 times more likely to abuse alcohol
  • 9 times more likely to abuse drugs
• Injuries from violence during pregnancy include miscarriage, low birth weight, placental separation, foetal fractures, rupture of uterus, pre-term labour, long lasting physical disability.
• Children are in the same or adjacent room in 90% of incidents of domestic violence.
• Children who witness domestic violence are at a higher risk for a range of emotional and behavioural problems, including anxiety, depression, poor school performance, low self-esteem, disobedience, nightmares and physical health complaints.
• Children who witness domestic violence exhibit the same behavioural and psychological disturbance as children who are themselves abused.