Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a very serious, complex, damaging and often hidden crime. Research tells us that at least 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

There are different definitions of what domestic abuse is but Women’s Aid describe it as physical, sexual, psychological or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour.

Domestic abuse victims are often women but not always.

Although some people ask the question ‘why doesn’t she just leave?’ in cases of domestic abuse sometimes leaving isn’t enough, or in the eyes of a victim, not even an option. Many cases of domestic abuse escalate to serious harm or death when a victim is planning to leave their abuser.

Domestic abuse is one of the most common crimes in Torbay which is why at Safer Communities Torbay (SCT) we want it to be an issue that is openly discussed in the community.

Our vision

At SCT we want to make Torbay a safer place for adults, young people and children, where domestic violence and abuse is not tolerated, excused or ignored; where all agencies work in partnership to create a supportive environment for victims/survivors, children and young people which meets their diverse needs, and where perpetrators of domestic abuse are brought to justice for their actions.

Our aim

To instill confidence in victims of domestic abuse to seek help and advice from services and agencies across Torbay and to ensure that those services and agencies are suitably equipped to provide the appropriate support.

Our priorities

• Support for victims and survivors.
• Support for children and young people
• Training and awareness
• Provision for perpetrators

What we provide

SCT works to tackle domestic abuse in a number of ways such as:

• Providing training to officers from a range of agencies to help them identify victims of domestic abuse and take action.
• Supports local and national campaigns to raise awareness about domestic abuse.
• Supports local groups to run their own projects to tackle domestic abuse.
• Provides Independent Domestic Violence Advisors to support victims.
• Supports domestic abuse survivor groups.
• Works to join up domestic abuse services across the South West.

To find out more about local services to support victims of domestic abuse visit our Crime pages.

• Peninsula Plan
  Details of how domestic abuse services are being co-ordinated across the Peninsula.
  Last updated: 05/07/2011 (4.8 MB)
• Health Leaflet
  Information leaflet on understanding domestic abuse and its impact on health.
  Last updated: 05/07/2011 (185 KB)
• Domestic Abuse Strategy
  This strategy seeks to promote and enhance the continued inter-agency working present across a range of statutory and voluntary sector agencies in Torbay.
  Last updated: 12/08/2010 (2.6 MB)