That is one of the key messages which will be spread next week by support agencies as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Week.
The event, which runs from Monday 20 November, has been set up to help raise awareness of the ongoing issue of domestic violence in South Gloucestershire and the effect it has on people.
In the UK each year, domestic violence costs society £23 billion and it is the biggest cause of ill health among 19 to 44 year olds – greater than cancer, motor vehicle accidents and war.
Charlotte Badlan, domestic violence coordinator for Safer South Gloucestershire, said: "Domestic violence is not just the act of physical and emotional harm, it is far worse. It is the humiliation and incomprehension of being so hurt and so scared of someone who is supposed to love you. South Gloucestershire is not only opening the door to domestic violence – we’re making it everyone’s business and responsibility."
A number of special events have been organised to take place during the week including:
• A multi-agency South Gloucestershire conference ‘Domestic Violence: Everyone’s Business’, to be attended by individuals from key agencies including councillors, chief executives and managers to build on and develop existing multi agency work
• Coverage of community based projects including a free ‘Just 4 Women Feel Good Factor’ pamper day, at Willsbridge Mill on Tuesday 21 November from 10am until 2pm
• The launch of victim case studies and posters raising awareness of domestic violence in South Gloucestershire and distribution of updated resources
• The publication of a directory of services for people experiencing domestic violence and abuse in South Gloucestershire
Currently, around 2,500 people will report incidents of domestic violence to the police in South Gloucestershire every year. Many more victims will choose instead to tell their friends, neighbours, GP, health visitor, boss or colleagues. However, many more will choose to tell absolutely nobody at all.
So far in 2006, there have been 2,413 incidents of domestic violence reported to the police in South Gloucestershire. During Domestic Violence Awareness Week, figures suggest that 48 women and 8 men in South Gloucestershire are likely to experience it. However, domestic violence can happen to anyone and it is hugely under-reported, so this estimate is only the tip of the iceberg.
South Gloucestershire agencies are committed to working together to help victims and their families and to raise awareness of this devastating crime, which affects so many people in their lifetime. Research indicates that a victim is likely to experience 35 incidents of domestic violence before seeking help.
Detective Inspector Caroline Peters of Avon and Somerset Police’s Public Protection Unit (South Gloucestershire district) said: "In South Gloucestershire, all the right people and organisations are coming together to tackle this huge issue, through initiatives such as the recently introduced MARACs (multi agency risk assessment conferences) and the Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) planned for South Gloucestershire in the new year."
South Gloucestershire’s Domestic Violence Awareness Week culminates in the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Saturday 25 November.
The week of events has been organised by Safer South Gloucestershire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership and South Gloucestershire Domestic Violence Forum.
ENDS