Anyone can experience domestic abuse regardless of gender, sexuality, race, ethnic or religious group, class, disability, ability or lifestyle.
PDVG believes that everyone has the right to live free from all forms of abuse and have the right to be free from potential or actual harm. We promote a zero tolerance approach to domestic abuse with the belief that each individual case of domestic abuse should be given prompt access to appropriate, effective support.
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: Psychological, Physical, Sexual, Financial, and Emotional.
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”
This definition includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.
Police definition of Honour Based Violence HBV is ‘a crime or incident which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the family or community’. HBV is where an individual is being punished by family or community for going against the believed code of behaviour. Therefore, brining shame or dishonour on the family. HBV can differ from DV as there is varying levels of approval and collusion from the family and community
A Forced Marriage (FM) is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties and where duress is a factor.
Female Genital Mutilation FGM
Genital mutilation is considered to have no religious significance. It is seen in some countries as an essential procedure to keep girls pure and maximise their opportunities in life. Girls are usually aged between 8 and 11.