EVERY minute, one incident of domestic violence is reported to police all over the country.

It is something Somerset is no exception to, and organisations are trying to find ways to tackle it.

An FOI request from the Somerset County Gazette to Avon and Somerset Police has revealed that last year the force received over 7,000 calls reporting domestic abuse.

Just over 1,000 of these were from Somerset West – the force area which covers Taunton and Minehead.

There are a number of reasons as to why people experience domestic abuse, according to relationship charity Relate.

Denise Knowles, a counsellor who specialises in domestic abuse, says the issue is less taboo.

“The issue of domestic abuse and the support out there for people experiencing it or even the perpetrators is talked about a lot more now compared to say ten years ago,” she said.

“Anyone of any age, gender, sexuality and living anywhere can experience it. Alcohol and substance abuse can be a big reason as to why someone might start abusing someone but so can other issues such as money and childcare.”

The statistics show that while the number of females reporting crimes is decreasing, the number of males reporting crime is increasing.

Last year across the force area, 5,635 females and 1,525 males reported incidents, compared to 6,019 females and 1,413 males in 2011.

The Home Office reports that male victims are twice as likely as women not to tell anyone about partner abuse, with only 10% of male victims telling police, compared to 27% of women.

Mark Brooks, chairman of Taunton’s ManKind Initiative charity, said: “The number of men coming forward sends a clear reminder to those supporting victims of domestic abuse that they must provide the same support and look for the same signs as they do for female victims.”

But Denise says the decrease in women reporting incidents doesn’t mean there are fewer female victims.

She said: “Just because crimes aren’t being reported, it doesn’t mean they aren’t happening. People are still afraid to come forward.”

Anyone affected by domestic abuse should phone the DAFFS (Domestic Abuse Freephone Support) helpline 0800-6949999 or visit somersetsurvivors.org.uk for a list of other phone numbers and advice.

In an emergency always call 999.

What support is available? 

A SOMERSET County Council spokesperson said: “Wide-ranging support is available to men, women and children in Somerset whose lives are affected by domestic abuse.

“For many years the Council has been the main funder of these services, which includes accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse, one-to-one and group support for victims, and for men addressing their abusive behaviour in relationships.

“As a key part of the Community Safety Partnership, we work closely with partner agencies, and participate in Multi-Agency-RiskAssessment-Conferences to reduce the risk to those identified as experiencing significant domestic abuse.

Organising regular training for professionals, specialist courses, and distributing leaflets and posters on the issues is also part and parcel of what we do.”

For more information visit somersetsurvivors.org.uk

"Don't suffer in silence"

AVON and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens says she wants all victims to know that when they approach the police or any other agency they will be taken seriously.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: Sue Mountstevens.

Sue Mounstevens, Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Police said victims should not suffer in silence. 

She said: “Domestic Violence Prevention Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Notices are useful tools providing different options for tackling abuse and protecting witnesses.

“We have also run a campaign – ‘This is not an excuse’ – encouraging victims not to suffer in silence but to come forward and report abuse.

“When I meet domestic abuse survivors I often hear of their struggle to leave their partner and the emotional turmoil they experience.

“By offering the right support we can hopefully help domestic abuse survivors re-build their confidence and lives.”

Police assurance to victims 

AVON and Somerset Police Supt Carolyn Belafonte said: “We take every incident of domestic abuse
extremely seriously and want to give victims the confidence to report offences to us.

“A recent HMIC report into how police forces deal with domestic abuse said the public “can be reasonably
confident that Avon and Somerset Constabulary can identify and conduct an initial investigation into domestic abuse”.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

Supt Carolyn Belafonte from Avon and Somerset Police said there were still areas in which they needed to improve. 

“We know there are areas in which we still need to improve – to arrest more offenders, our initial investigations need to be more thorough and we need to ensure there is detailed logging of progress as the investigation passes between teams and departments.”

New helpline from housing association 

KNIGHTSTONE Housing is delivering a new, single point-of-contact service for Somerset’s Domestic Abuse Services.

Knightstone plans to operate a 24/7 helpline, offering support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse, whether victim or perpetrator.

It will also be the point of contact for professionals making referrals and any members of the public who want advice about domestic abuse.

They will provide a mixture of emergency accommodation across the county for men and women who want to flee domestic abuse, including a combination of refuge and safe-house properties.

Questions answered 

What is Domestic Abuse?

Somerset County Council’s website defines Domestic Abuse 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.”

It can include harassment, forced marriage, honourbased violence and female genital mutilation.

Where can I get help?

There are a number of organisations in Somerset which can offer help and support to both victims and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse.

Somerset County Council’s website contains a list of organisations offering support including Taunton Women’s Aid and ManKind Initiative.

Who experiences domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse occurs across all of society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth or geography.

One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives.

One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute.

On average, two women a week are killed by a current or former male partner.