Domestic Violence

In contrast with a world, which is continuously progressing, domestic violence in Great Britain remains a constant presence. Figures reveal that in 2012 ‘13,500 people, 80% of them women – reported domestic violence to Citizens Advice’ (Topping, A, 2012). It is clear that domestic violence cases are disturbingly high. The findings show a significant proportion of society affected and this demands attention. The Government are acknowledging that domestic abuse is not so simplistic. Modifying the law for domestic abuse will “help expose the true face of domestic violence, which is much more complex and much more widespread than people often realise” (Clegg in Barrett, Johnson, 2012). This suggests that people are unaware of its true magnitude. Domestic violence is wide reaching, therefore support is crucial for its victims. This blog post will explore whether ‘more support for domestic violence will encourage victims to come forward’.

The Government defines domestic violence as

"any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality"

 (NHS Barking, I and Dagenham, 2013)

As the definition derives from a governing body, it can be seen as valuable. Collating facts and statistics on a variety of areas and utilising expertise to make informed decisions could prove government agencies to be a valued source of information.

In contradiction, the Home Offices’ expansion of the definition of domestic violence, implemented from March 2013, illustrates the definition to be one which is flawed. The Home Office concluded that the definition should ‘be widened to include psychological intimidation, controlling behaviour and victims under 18 (Branch, 2012). This change shows dedication to responding to the issue of domestic violence. By expanding the definition to include victims under 18, it indicates that cases are existent in this age group, further demonstrating how wide reaching the problem is. The definition change shows the government have reacted and taken necessary action.

A pilot scheme, Clare’s Law, has also been instigated following the murder of Clare Wood, killed at the hands of her former partner. Starting in September 2012 ‘a year -long trial will commence, giving the public the "right to ask" for information in Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, Wiltshire and Gwent’ (Home Office in BBC News, 2012).

This law gives the right to request information from the police about a partner’s past. Consequently it could reveal a domestic violence history and the regulations under this scheme stipulate that police provide these details. The scheme indicates a critical turning point; a key to combatting domestic violence and preventing cases which could result in tragedy. Clare’s Law however, was not deemed an entirely successful proposal, bringing uncertainty and criticism to the scene as well. Domestic violence campaign group Refuge attacked the scheme saying ‘it will do little to protect victims’ (BBC News, 2012), declaring it to be ‘unnecessary and warned the costs of setting it up could outweigh the benefits’ (Millard, 2012). This suggests that Refuge believe the investment could be used alternatively to tackle domestic violence, potentially resulting in a more successful outcome. As with all changes to law, controversy is only to be expected but it can be beneficial to form a basis for discussion. It could ultimately result in finding alternative methods to reduce domestic violence.

Clare's Law- Youtube (2012)

As Refuge is an established and reputable support group which ‘has grown to become the country’s largest single provider of specialist domestic violence services’, (Refuge, 2009) their opinion is significantly trusted. An impact assessment shows that ‘at best the scheme will only result in an annual reduction of a half per cent in domestic violence" (Government Impact assessment in The Telegraph, 2012). Such an insignificant change to statistical figures indicates that the scheme holds a lack of significant purpose. However half a per cent is still a decrease and although it illustrates that the scheme will have little effect, any effect is a positive outcome. On the other hand the scheme is very new therefore its future impact will be hard to determine. Furthermore as an assessment is merely a prediction, the statistics could prove incorrect.  Additionally “the reality is that most perpetrators are not known to the police” (Horley in BBC News, 2012). It is questionable then, why introduce a scheme, which can be criticised to such great extent? As reflected earlier, it was established from a domestic violence murder case. As the perpetrator had a recorded violent history, it can be argued that if the scheme was in place at the time and the victim suspected this, it could have prevented such a tragic ending. “I believe that if my daughter had known of the past of her partner she would have dropped him like a hot brick and scampered out of there” (Brown in BBC News, 2012). 
The scheme would enable suspicion of a partner’s violent past to be revealed and crucially prevent victims from potential danger. This scheme relies essentially on police officers to take appropriate actions in order to protect victims and record complaints. The problem with this is placing the burden on officers; it could result in the risk of victims receiving unreliable details as not all cases of violence are recorded.  The extent of disapproval regarding Clare’s Law suggests it is not the support victims fundamentally require. A better approach to supporting domestic violence victims could be through the use of the media, which could prove effective.

Justin Lee Collins- Celebrity case

The media has the power to bring undetected issues to the spotlight.  When Anna Larke reported her partner and television presenter Justin Lee Collins for abuse last October, this conveyed a new perception of domestic violence (Hoyle, 2013, p69). ‘Larke told the court that she felt that she had been "brainwashed" by Collins’ (Westcott, 2012). The issue of emotional domestic violence was brought to the public eye. This new perception of domestic violence proved that abuse is not merely physical as conventionally believed.

Anna Larke's domestic abuse recording- LISTEN!

             
This case was a powerful and influential instigator, giving reason for a change to the definition of abuse (Westcott, 2012).  Figures which support this were published in the British crime survey. ‘Of the six per cent of women who were victims of domestic abuse, 57 per cent suffered emotional abuse compared to 27 per cent who sustained physical injuries’ (Hoyle, 2013, p. 69). This identifies the extreme presence of emotional abuse and challenges the conventional view that domestic violence is purely physical. This article highlights whether without such a high profile court case; would the effects of verbal domestic abuse have been brought to the public’s attention? It certainly illustrates the power of celebrity status.

This article has one single purpose; to show that people can now prosecute perpetrators for emotional abuse.

 “Emotional abuse is difficult to spot and can be more harmful than the physical kind. The victim often feels that because there is no visible evidence nobody will believe her, so it can go undetected for longer”

(Williamson in Hoyle, 2013, p.69) 

This illustrates the challenge victims of emotional abuse face.  Dr Williamson from Bristol University’s Centre for Gender and Violence Research specialises in domestic abuse therefore qualifying her knowledge on the subject. However her statement is stereotypical; immediately suggesting that the victim will be female. With use of the noun ‘her’, it is noticeable that this statement places emphasis on women being victims of abuse and presents a biased opinion. This results in the subjective message that only women experience abuse. The effect of this could counteract the purpose of the article by proposing that only women should report cases of emotional abuse or portraying the idea that men perhaps do not experience it.  Domestic abuse affects men too and this can be supported by statistics, which state that ‘one in six men and one in four women will suffer “domestic abuse” in their lifetime,’ (Mankind Initiative in Esteem Men, 2012).

An important aspect raised by Hoyle to consider is the claim that a new legislation has been introduced. This source deems untrustworthy where it states that ‘a new legislation and a high profile court case is hoped to encourage more victims to come forward’ (Hoyle, 2013, p. 69). The legislation for domestic abuse has not in fact changed; it is the definition of domestic abuse, which has been expanded. In an interview (Hough March 2013) it is discovered that ‘there is no change to the legislation, there has only been a change to the definition of abuse’ therefore the article is misleading and provides a deceptive influence.

              This article makes it apparent that emotional abuse is domestic violence and although it challenges certain assumptions, it proves that representations of domestic violence in the media can inform the public of the truth. In a similar way, same-sex domestic abuse has not always been at the forefront of the media but bringing the concept to the spotlight could influence public awareness of the scope of the problem. This could effectively provide an enhanced understanding and result in further cases being reported. 

A continuous story line in soap opera Hollyoaks where character Brendan Brady physically and emotionally abuses partner Steven Hay challenges a widely accepted perception that domestic abuse is inflicted on a woman by a man. Abuse present within a same sex relationship presents the public with a new dimension of domestic abuse.  ‘Same-sex domestic violence also challenges our highly gendered and heteronormative understanding of domestic violence because it cannot be explained by reference to gender difference, the historical suppression of women, or the private nature of family violence’ (Knauer, 1999, pp. 325-350). Domestic violence has been correlated with causalities such as gender difference; therefore domestic violence in same-sex relationships cannot be explained. Contradiction of this theory results in ambiguity and challenges general attitudes towards abuse.                  
Nevertheless challenging general attitudes positively teaches society and reinforces how deeply rooted domestic violence really is.  However, a soap opera is a fictional source and although a useful approach to illustrate public issues, how effective is it? It proves effective as Hollyoaks reaches a very large target audience, with ‘the show attracting an average of 3 million viewers per week’ (Tv.com, 2013), revealing its message to millions. Conversely Hollyoaks’ main target audience is ‘young teens and early twenties’ (Internet Movie Database, 2013) which could affect the value of the storyline as older generations are not likely to see such a message.  On the other hand, it is warning young viewers of the effects of domestic violence and an understanding at an early age could prevent future cases.

             Necessary action must be taken as domestic abuse is increasing at a distressing rate. This can be supported by statistics which show that ‘cases of domestic violence have risen by 35 per cent in a year’ (British Crime Survey, 2011). However these figures may not signify a true representation of domestic abuse, as many victims do not report it. Potentially the figures are much higher. Research shows that ‘65% of women who experience domestic violence keep it hidden’ (Harris, 2012) proving the former statistics to be deceitful.

Popular blogger and makeup artist Lauren Luke features in a tutorial video ‘Don’t cover it up’ (Refuge in YouTube 2012) demonstrating how women conceal their abuse when they are too ashamed to come forward. The campaign video by Refuge is a powerful format for influencing and targeting teenage girls and young women, where ‘domestic violence is alarmingly common’ (Refuge, 2013).  Lauren can be credited for her ability to promote Refuge successfully. This can be reflected through the impact of the video, which shows that it was ‘viewed by over 1 million people in the weeks following its launch in July 2012,’ (Refuge, 2013). The impact shows that power and popularity in the media can be an influential tool in portraying an important message. Although tactical, it has been proven effective and successful. ‘In the first 48 hours following the launch, the Refuge website received the same number of unique visitors as it usually receives in two weeks’ (Refuge, 2013).

Don't cover it up- Refuge (2013) WATCH!

Support is a vital part of helping victims through their abuse. A source, which demonstrates support for domestic violence, is illustrated in a 2009 television advertisement ‘Cut’. It features the renowned actress Keira Knightley and its message emphasises how people enter relationships oblivious that violence could occur. Miss Knightley shouts ‘Please, I didn’t agree to this’ (Womens Aid, 2009) and to maintain the impact of this message, she is shown being repetitively kicked. By using a well-known film star to play the victim, the advert becomes very powerful footage and effective in expressing the message that domestic violence can affect anyone, even a high profile celebrity. The haunting image of Miss Knightley being abused is influential, convincing the public that they are not alone.  

                          
Shame is one of the major reasons victims do not come forward. ‘Being subjected to abuse is a humiliating and demeaning experience and will most often leave us feeling very ashamed’ (Hurt, 2012). “I wanted to take part in this advert for Women's Aid because while domestic violence exists in every section of society we rarely hear about it” (Knightly, in Sweney, 2009). The organisation Women’s Aid launched the advert named ‘Cut’ to promote awareness of domestic abuse. Since Women’s Aid is recognised as a key national charity supporting victims of abuse, the message ultimately becomes more powerful. They support a network of over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the UK, defining their credibility and showing they are experts in their field. In the advert, Women’s Aid is promoting their charity in addition to illustrating the effects of domestic abuse. Through drawing attention to the charity, more victims could speak out as a result.

Radio may be an even more powerful and effective method of grasping the attention of the public and justifiably evoking their emotions. In 2012, Metropolitan Police and Women’s Aid joined expertise in an attempt to break the silence surrounding domestic abuse in the UK urging people to ‘always call 999 whenever they overhear incidents of domestic abuse’ (Womens Aid, 2013).

The Radio campaign ‘Call to Make it Stop’ comprised of a sequence of harrowing radio adverts, were broadcast on LBC radio 97.3 containing ‘horrifying sounds of domestic violence which were too distressing to be aired during the day’ (Womens Aid, 2013). Through audio alone, listeners are forced to absorb the information through a singular sense resulting in a far more engaged and attentive audience.  In this detail, radio can be recognised as an effective approach in advertising support for domestic violence. 

Call to make it stop! Radio campaign (2013) LISTEN!
                      
Women’s Aid and the Metropolitan Police combined become a powerful collaboration, wishing to address the issue of domestic violence and decrease the mortality rate. ‘There are nearly one in five murders in London as a result of domestic violence and on average a woman is assaulted 35 times before going to the police’ (Womens Aid, 2013).  Although a powerful and haunting message, LBC Radio targeting London alone could be argued to be limiting in reaching its target audience. Broadcasting from a national radio station would have been far more prosperous. The problem with focusing on such a select area is restriction, this campaign although powerful, could be considered limiting and wasteful.

 ‘What happens next?’ A fundamental question which realms the minds of many victims before leaving their abusive partner. In an interview (Smith, April, 2013) it is revealed that ‘fear of the unknown and homelessness is the victim’s highest concern’. ‘In 2010-11 the conviction rate for domestic violence was held at 72%’ (AVA, 2011). This shows that 28% of prosecutions were unsuccessful meaning that not all cases resulted in conviction.  As research shows, the conviction rate is not guaranteed, resulting in victims doubting the system and fearful of retribution and revenge. Victims are therefore unlikely to report the abuse, stay in the abusive relationship and suffer in silence. To combat this fear, victims have to recognise that subsequent to abuse they will receive support and protection including financial support and housing. A victim of abuse (Rhodes, April, 2013) declared she was ‘lucky enough to have a job and friends to live with’ after she left her husband. This highlights the lack of support following domestic abuse. Or perhaps it shows failure to present one’s rights. Provisions under the Housing Act and Homelessness Act are available but perhaps unknown. This proves that awareness is essential and could determine whether a victim takes the initial step towards leaving the abusive situation.

                    In conclusion research proves that more support for domestic violence will encourage more victims to come forward. It has been proven that the media is the most successful way in connecting with victims of domestic violence. Evidence shows that an awareness and understanding of domestic violence and fundamentally recognising that support is available is essential in encouraging victims to report abuse. Noticing the power the media holds could result in optimum reporting. It is vital the media report these issues as their influence could persuade victims to come forward. On the other hand although the Government has made a reasonable attempt to support victims, through amendments in the law; it has not received an entirely positive response. This indicates that the changes are insufficient, illustrating that more support in the law is necessary. Through researching domestic abuse, it is clear that Clare’s Law is not widely acknowledged, therefore awareness is crucial. Domestic violence remains a constant presence, subsequently support must be enhanced and awareness must be amplified.

Bibliography:

Newspaper:

Barrett, Johnson, E, W, 2012, ‘Nick Clegg outlines new domestic violence guidelines’,_The           Independent_19 Sep. available:  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nick-clegg-outlines-new-domestic-violence-guidelines-8156796.html  [accessed 25 Mar 2013]

Campbell, D, 2010, ‘More than 40% of domestic violence victims are male, report reveals’,_The Guardian_,05 Sep. available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/sep/05/men-victims-domestic-violence [accessed 25 Mar 2013]

Horley, S, 2001, ‘Domestic Violence: the issue explained’, _The Guardian_, 12 Mar. available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2001/mar/12/6 [accessed 27 Mar 2013]

Mail on Sunday Reporter, 2013, ‘Domestic abuse reforms 'putting women at risk' as police stop recording details of incidents’,_The Daily Mail_20 Jan. available: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265269/Domestic-abuse-reforms-putting-women-risk-police-stop-recording-details-incidents.html [accessed 27 Mar 2013]

Maya, W-R, 2012, ‘Why did Justin Lee Collins get such a lenient sentence?’,_The Guardian_,10 Oct. available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/guardian-law-blog/2012/oct/10/justin-lee-collins-lenient-sentence [accessed 30 Mar 2013]

Millard, N, 2012, ‘Clare’s Law’ pilot scheme launched’,_The Sun_05 Mar. available: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4173425/Clares-Law-pilot-launched-in-the-name-of-Clare-Wood-who-was-murdered-by-ex-George-Appleton.html [accessed 31 Mar 2013]

Sweney, M, 2009, ‘Keira Knightley stars in ad campaign against domestic violence’,_The Guardian_,02 Apr. available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/apr/02/keira-knightley-domestic-violence-ad [accessed 31 Mar 2013]

The Telegraph. (2012). Clare's Law plans criticised by violence charities. Available: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9123151/Clares-Law-plans-criticised-by-violence-charities.html [accessed 02 Apr 2013]

Topping, A, 2012, ‘Domestic violence figures are disturbingly high, says charity’,_The Guardian_,07 Mar. available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/07/domestic-violence-figures-citizens-advice [accessed 31 Mar 2013]

Magazine:

(Williamson, D. (2013), "Not All Abuse Is Physical", Marie Claire, Feb 1, p.69)

(Hoyle, A. (2013), "Not All Abuse Is Physical", Marie Claire, Feb 1, p.69)

Online:

Against Violence & Abuse. (2010). Domestic Violence. Available: http://www.avaproject.org.uk/our-resources/statistics/domestic-violence.aspx. Last accessed 07th Apr 2013.

Branch, N, (2012), ‘Criminal law: Domestic abuse will have a wider definition says Home Office’. Available: http://blogs.findlaw.co.uk/solicitor/2012/09/criminal-law-domestic-abuse-will-have-a-wider-definition-says-home-office.html. Last accessed 27th Mar 2013

Daily Mail Reporter. (2011). Thousands of victims at risk as cases of domestic violence surge by 35% in a year Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2014636/Domestic-abuse-cases-increase-35-year.html. Available: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2014636/Domestic-abuse-cases-increase-35-year.html. Last accessed 31 Mar 2013.

Hurt, H. (2012). Why Domestic Abuse Victims Stay. Available: http://www.hiddenhurt.co.uk/why_domestic_abuse_victims_stay.html. Last accessed 28th Mar 2013.

Internet Movie Database. (2013). Hollyoaks. Available: http://www.imdb.co.uk/title/tt0112004/. Last accessed 6th Apr 2013.

Men, E. (2012). Empowering men affected by domestic abuse. Available: http://www.esteemmen.co.uk/index.html. Last accessed 27th Mar 2013.

 NHS Barking and Dagenham. (2013). What is Domestic Violence . Available: http://www.domesticviolencelondon.nhs.uk/1-what-is-domestic-violence-/1-definition.html. Last accessed 30th Mar 2013

Tv.com. (2013). Hollyoak Show Summary. Available: http://www.tv.com/shows/hollyoaks/. Last accessed 31 Mar 2013.

Westcott, K. (2012). Justin Lee Collins: Trial highlights 'invisible' abuse. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19783496. Last accessed 1st April 2013.

Audio:

Murray, J (2012) Programme on Women’s Hour [Radio] BBC Radio 4, 12 Apr, 10h00.

Women’s Aid (2012) ‘Campaign against domestic violence, Call to make it stop’ (69 secs), Radio advertisement, LBC Radio 97.3, aired 30 April 2012- 1 May 2012

Visual:

Womens Aid (2009) ‘Knightley being kicked’ (120 secs), Television advertisement, channel 5, screened 5 Jul 09.

IBTimesUK. (2012) Justin Lee Collins sentenced for harassment [video] The UK, IBTimes

Refuge (2012) How to look your best the morning after [video] The UK, Refuge

Library source:

(Garbarino, Gilliam, J, G, 1981, Understanding Abusive Families, D.C Heath and Company, Canada)

(Knauer, N, 1999, Same Sex Domestic Violence, Selected Works BePress, United States) 

Signed:

http://themirrorhas3sides.blogspot.co.uk/