Highland partnership focuses the spotlight on preventing domestic abuse during festive season

For some Christmas is seen as a time to spend time with friends and family, but for survivors of domestic abuse, it can be an extremely difficult time of year.

It’s too easy to think of domestic abuse as physical violence but it is very often so much more than that.

Domestic abuse occurs when someone close to you (usually a partner or an ex-partner) behaves towards you in a way that inflicts physical, mental or emotional damage.  The abuse can be physical, sexual, threatening, degrading and intimidating, and often includes a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour.

If you find that you are changing the way you act or the way you look because you are frightened of your partners’ behaviour and reaction, this is abuse.

Domestic abuse is overwhelmingly experienced by women and perpetrated by men. It doesn’t matter how old someone is, what their background or job is, or whether they have children – anyone can become a victim of abuse.

Jacquelyn Jennett, Chair of the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership, said that domestic abuse doesn’t only have an impact within the home, it can also affect people’s livelihoods and employment.

She said: “The effects of domestic abuse are significant, and multifaceted, and therefore affect productivity, absenteeism and job retention.

“Survivors of domestic abuse report experiencing trauma, stress and other mental health problems, which affects their work performance due to being distracted, tired or unwell. It can also cause financial instability or loss of employment because of unexplained absences or moving to a new house or job to avoid perpetrators.”

This Christmas the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership also wants to raise awareness of the increased risk of domestic violence during the festive period.

Jacquelyn added: “There is no single cause of domestic abuse. Some people may blame domestic abuse on a variety of factors such as alcohol, drugs or mental health difficulties. While these factors may make domestic abuse worse or more likely, they are not the root cause. Domestic abuse is the result of the abuser’s desire for power and control. It is a matter of choice for perpetrators and is never the victim’s fault.

“We want to see everyone enjoy the festive season and do so without fear, threat or intimidation. No one deserves to suffer abuse of any kind at this time or indeed any time of year.  We want people to know that they can come forward and seek support if they or frightened or worried for their safety.  Additionally, we all have a responsibility to report any suspected cases of domestic abuse.”

Although women are most often the victims of domestic abuse, the same can happen to men, but stigma and under reporting is believed to be the reason for lower numbers of incidents.

Experiencing domestic abuse can often make people feel isolated and ashamed, but we want anyone who is experiencing this, to know they are not alone and that support is available if they need it.

If you suspect a work colleague might be suffering from domestic abuse there are key things to look out for, which are highlighted in this video.  

If you feel scared of your partner or if you are worried about someone you know, you can find further information and seek help from the following:

Support Services for Women in Highland here

Abused Men in Scotland (AMIS) Confidential and freephone helpline: provides support to any man in Scotland who is affected by domestic abuse. 0808 800 0024 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm www.abusedmeninscotland.org

Scotland’s 24 Hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234 or visit www.sdafmh.org.uk