Silence is Not Golden
Domestic abuse hub
Many people are very lucky and will not experience domestic abuse during their lives. However, for some people, the current isolation due to Coronavirus has put increased pressure on households making issues such as financial worries and stress a lot worse. All victims of domestic abuse could be put at increased risk at this difficult time. Families who have never experienced domestic abuse before could now be affected, but please do not feel alone.
We know you might be scared, alone or maybe feeling trapped.
Domestic abuse isn’t always a physical act. It includes a range of abusive behaviour and can affect both men and women who are (or used to be) intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender. This includes
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Psychological or emotional abuse
Children and young people can also be affected by the abuse that they see and hear, and can be harmed by domestic abuse between adults. Young people may also experience abuse from their own boyfriend/girlfriend.
The domestic abuse hub is a collection of domestic abuse services working across Doncaster, supporting ALL victims of domestic abuse. The support is available for people in heterosexual relationships, for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. Support is available for people being abused by a partner or an ex-partner, or for people who are being abused by a family member e.g. son, daughter, sibling, grandchild. The fact that these agencies work together in a Domestic Abuse Hub makes it simple and easy to get the help you need when you need it.
Domestic abuse workers can support people aged 16 years or older. The specialist workers can provide practical and emotional support to you and your family members, as well as signpost services for those that commit domestic abuse.
For more information visit www.doncaster.gv.uk/domesticabuse and complete our online self-referral form. or call 01302 737080, email dahub@doncaster.gov.uk
Meet your new survivor liaison worker
"Domestic abuse is everybody’s business.
"I wanted to write this piece to you today to reach out to the residents of Doncaster that have been affected by domestic abuse. Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on victims, but its ripples are felt within communities. I want to let you know I am here for you. In Doncaster my role is to ensure your voices are heard. I used to be the one screaming to be heard, as I have been a victim to this horrific crime.
"I hear you, I believe you and I want to elevate your voices within Doncaster. I want to bring you to the table when policies and decisions are being made about you. My saying is ‘it’s not about us if it doesn’t include us’ and that’s the ethos I bring to this job. There is no one better qualified to advise than those with lived experience.
"My background before this role was campaigning for legislation changes in what is now the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This meant lobbying MP’s to strengthen the bill, challenging the myths and stereotypes of domestic abuse and victims, fighting systems designed to handcuff you to the perpetrator instead of allowing the freedom we all desperately need and want. I fought for post-separation abuse to be included in the Act, for children to be seen as victims in their own right, and better support and understanding in Family Court.
"These are just a few of the things I personally pushed for.
"I fought with a collective of amazing advocates to get better legislation that we overwhelmingly needed. I bring that wealth of campaign spirit to Doncaster with me. But I need you, I can’t change things on my own. I need to hear your experiences, this role is not about me. It is about you. I have hit the ground running already but I have only just got started.
"Let’s make Doncaster a place where domestic abuse is not tolerated, a place where it is called out and no longer hid behind a front door.
"Please keep checking the Doncaster domestic abuse web pages www.doncaster.gov.uk/dometsicabuse for new ideas and updates about the work we are doing in Doncaster. If you want to be involved please email Survivors@doncaster.gov.uk I would love to hear from you."
Are you worried that you are hurting someone?
Alongside support for victims, there is help if you are worried about some of your behaviours and would like to make changes. Help is available from Respect www.respectphoneline.org.uk/help-for-perpetrators/ Respect can support you to be safe around your partner and children. Respect helpline is 0808 8024040.
A survey is available to complete for people who have previously been abusive but have been able to turn their life around.
All completed questionnaires are anonymous. The closing date 25 June.
The Euros
England are currently doing well in the Euros and progressing through the competition, which for many is a welcome bit of good news! However, for others it is a time of dread due to the heightened risk of domestic abuse.
Research shows that incidents of domestic abuse rise sharply during major football tournaments and, while sporting events do not cause domestic abuse, for some the heightened emotion, hope, excitement, frustration and disappointment combined with the consumption of alcohol, can lead to violence, abuse and fear.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned for someone you know then please visit www.doncaster.gov.uk/domesticabuse For confidential advice, information and support, call the Domestic Abuse Hub on 01302 737080 or email dahub@doncaster.gov.uk
If there is immediate danger ALWAYS call 999.
 Alongside support for victims, there is help if you are worried about some of your behaviours and would like to make changes before issues escalate into violence. Help is available from Respect www.respectphoneline.org.uk/help-for-perpetrators/ Respect can support you to be safe around your partner and children. Respect helpline is 0808 8024040.
We know that not some people that have been abusive towards others deeply regret what happened and have made changes to their lives to end the abusive behaviour. Sometimes both people in a relationship can be abusive towards each other. If this describes you, we want to hear from you. We want to know about what the relationship was like for you, what happened in your life prior to the unhealthy or abusive behaviour and what you did to make a positive change. Your feedback could help other people in similar situations.
Councillor Rachael Blake, Children’s Social Care, Communities and Equalities Cabinet member, said: “No-one should have to face domestic abuse, but we know sadly that reported incidents of domestic and sexual violence increase during sporting events such as the Euros. We want to urge victims, their friends and families not to wait, but to seek help and advice immediately before the abuse escalates .”
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