Domestic abuse is an awful and insidious crime which affects thousands of people every year and tragically will lead to the deaths of many. Our message is that no-one need suffer in silence.

We are committed to helping anyone who has become a victim – together with our partner agencies who include Women’s Aid, social housing organisations, and local authorities, we can and we will help you.

 

So what is Domestic Abuse?

The term domestic abuse is defined as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or who have been intimate partners, or are otherwise family members, regardless of gender and sexuality.

Family members include mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparents, in-laws and step-family.

Domestic abuse happens regardless of social group, class, age, race, and disability or sexuality of the individuals involved. Domestic abuse can affect both men and women, and in can occur in any relationship – heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, young or old. It is a pattern of behaviour used by abusers designed to establish and maintain power and control over another person.

 

Is it a crime?

There is no single criminal offence of “domestic abuse” but many forms of domestic abuse are crimes – for example, harassment, assault, criminal damage, attempted murder, rape and keeping you locked up in the house. Being assaulted, sexually-abused, threatened or harassed by a partner or family member is just as much a crime as abuse from a stranger, and often more dangerous.

 

What can the police do?

Norfolk Constabulary has specially-trained domestic abuse officers who you can talk to in confidence and they can assist you.

If you are a victim of domestic violence we will treat you with sensitivity and investigate each incident fully.

Where we have the power of arrest we will normally arrest the perpetrator and we will prosecute offenders where appropriate. We will also use any other means possible to prevent further violence.

We will also work to make sure that you and any other witnesses to the offences feel confident enough to report offences and give evidence in court.

All victims and witnesses involved in cases going through the court process are referred to the Witness Care Unit; they provide a single point of contact until the court case is finished and will contact you, keep you informed about your case and arrange on-going support.

Your Witness Care Officer can work with you to overcome any issues or problems you may have about coming to court, ranging from childcare issues to fears of intimidation.

Norfolk Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service work together with Victim Support, Witness Services and Leeway Women’s Aid to provide a service in which victims and witnesses of crime can feel confident.

The Service Standard leaflet explains further the action that Norfolk Constabulary will take when called to incidents involving domestic violence.

In an emergency always dial 999

For non emergencies contact 101