Domestic abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional and financial and it affects women, men and children. It remains a hidden crime as victims suffer silently, afraid for themselves and their children.  Whilst domestic abuse is most commonly perpetrated by men against women (75%), the existence of violence against men is not denied, nor is the existence of abuse in same sex relationships and other forms of abuse.  No one deserves to be assaulted, humiliated or to live in fear because of an abusive relationship

There is evidence that violence escalates in frequency and intensity over time, and may increase at specific points in a woman’s life - such as, during pregnancy and following the birth of a child. Welsh Women’s Aid estimate that 25% of attacks occur while a woman is pregnant.  In response to this evidence, Powys LHB is currently providing midwives and health visitors’ with training in domestic abuse risk assessment, as part of the All Wales Ante-Natal Clinical Pathways.

• Domestic abuse is rarely a one off event. Physical and sexual abuse tends to increase in frequency and severity over time, sometimes only ending when one person actually kills the other. On average, a woman will suffer 35 assaults before seeking help. Other forms of abusive or controlling behaviour are likely to occur over many years, and for some people, throughout their adult lives.

• Domestic Abuse occurs in 1 in 4 homes whilst 1 in 10 women is severely beaten by her partner at some point in her life.

• For the year 2004/05, Powys Police recorded 800 incidents relating to domestic abuse; 83% of these (666) involved partner/ex- partner incidents and the remainder involved other family members. 

• Domestic abuse is the largest cause of morbidity in women aged 19-44, greater than war, cancer and motor vehicle accidents. Evidence shows 41% of all female homicide victims are killed by a partner or former partner.

• As many as 150,000 children/young people at any one time, are affected by domestic abuse in Wales. One in five child abuse cases dealt with by NSPCC involves domestic abuse.