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WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE?
Domestic Abuse is any form of physical, no-physical or sexual abuse which takes place within the context of a close relationship, committed either in the home or elsewhere. In, most cases this relationship will be between partners (married, co-habiting or otherwise) or ex-partners. The couples can be hetrosexual or homosexual and the victim male or female. No-physical abuse includes instances where actual violence did not occur but the victim was intimidated or feared for their life, for example, threats of violence, breach of the peace and vandalism. WHO INVESTIGATES DOMESTIC ABUSE? Uniformed officers will normally investigate incidents of domestic abuse and CID officers will investigate serious crimes. Tayside Police recognises that domestic abuse is a serious matter and should not be tolerated. INITIAL POLICE ACTION The police are committed to attending all reports of domestic abuse. The first duty of the police is to protect victims and their children. The police are committed to taking positive action when dealing with domestic abuse incidents. IF IT AFFECTS ME, WHAT CAN I DO? The most important thing you can do is to tell someone. It is a sad fact that domestic abuse now occurs in approximately one in four households in the UK. From verbal abuse and threatening behaviour to serious physical assault and even murder. Here is some general advice for anyone who is in an abusive relationship and who wants to know how they can better protect themselves and their family. 1. SUPPORT SYSTEMS Perhaps the most crucial step is to ensure that you have a support system in place, i.e., family, friends and professionals who can assist you. Your abuser may try to keep you away from people who love you and care for you. This is a way of making you more dependent on them. Do not allow this to happen. Find ways to maintain at least some contact with the people who are important to you. It will also be helpful to find professionals who can assist you in total confidence - perhaps your doctor, solicitor, the Citizen's Advice Bureau or Victim Support. You can also talk to Women's Aid on one of their telephone helplines. Keep their number safe and if you decide to call, try to use a payphone in case their number shows on your telephone bill. All of these people are a part of your safety net. They can help you learn about domestic abuse and tell you about the resources that are available to you. 2. MAXIMISE YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY When you are with a partner, you also need to consider your personal safety. If situations do start to escalate, try to keep as calm and rational as possible. Your response may affect how the situation develops. Be aware of those things that you know may trigger an explosive response from your partner. Keeping your body language, movement and tone of voice as non-threatening as possible may be a useful strategy. If matter become more serious, try to keep yourself between your partner and any escape route, such as the front door, in case you need to get out quickly. 3. PRE-PLANNING Talk to family, friends and neighbours who you can trust. Ask them to call the police if they see or hear any incident occurring. Have a pre-arranged "keyword" which you can use on the phone to let them know you are in danger and need help or if the worst happens your partner attacks you, make as much noise as possible to alert them. Also encourage your children to keep themselves safe by planning what to do if your partner becomes violent. Can they find a safe place in the house? Can they run to a neighbour's house? 4. FINALLY Many people, not so different from you, have used these actions to effectively protect themselves and their family. You can too. If you are in a violent relationship, there are three steps you can take.
For more information click here to visit the Domestic Abuse website. BARNARDO'S INITIATIVE Tayside Police and Barnardo's Scotland are presently engaged in a joint initiative which is supported by the Angus Domestic Abuse Partnership, Dundee Domestic Abuse Forum and the Perth and Kinross Domestic Abuse Forum. Tayside Police has a Domestic Abuse Officer in each of the three Divisions - Dundee, Angus and Perth and Kinross - who works closely with his/her respective Barnardo's worker. The police officer deals with the criminal justice concerns and the immediate safety of the victim and their children, while the Barnardo's worker offers advice and support, and if necessary, both can refer them to the other statutory and voluntary services. It should be noted that they do not investigate incidents of Domestic Abuse and any complaints should be reported to the police in the normal manner, or, in cases of emergency, via the 999 system. Click here to visit the Barnado's website CONTACTS POLICE In an emergency always contact the police by dialling 999. Domestic Abuse Officers - between 9am & 4pm, Monday to Friday Dundee (01382) 591912 Angus (01241) 435742 Perth & Kinross (01738) 892910 BARNARDO'S Barnardo's Domestic Abuse Workers - during office hours Dundee (01382) 596866 Angus (01241) 435747 Perth and Kinross (01738) 892516 SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT Social Work Department Assistance can be obtained for all parties through trained social workers who will be in a position to help and give you welfare rights advice and support. Contact your local office or, outwith office hours, telephone (01382) 436430/1/2 WOMEN'S AID Dundee (01382) 202525 Angus (01241) 439457 Perth and Kinross (01738) 639043 VICTIM SUPPORT Dundee (01382) 305707 Angus (01241) 870096 Perth and Kinross (01738) 567171 NATIONAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HOTLINE 0800 027 1234 ADVICE CARD Click here to download the Tayside Police Domestic Abuse Card which contains advice and useful local telephone numbers (PDF, 473KB) |
