The North Yorkshire Domestic Abuse Strategy defines domestic abuse as the following:-
"Any violent or abusive behaviour - whether physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, verbal or financial - which is used by one adult to control and dominate another with whom they have or have had a personal or family relationship regardless of gender"
There are many support services for people experiencing domestic abuse which can and does have devasting consequences for those affected.
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Every second in the UK the police are called to a case of domestic abuse
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No other type of crime has a rate of repeat victimisation as high as domestic violence
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90% children and young people are in the same or next room when an incident takes place
Listed below are some of the key services that are in place across Ryedale:-
The Making Safe Scheme is a multi-agency initiative that provides positive support to incidents of domestic abuse helping victims and their families to remain in their own homes providing extra security which includes lock changes and alarms. Domestic Abuse Services provides victims with time to talk about their experiences.
Specialist Domestic Violence Courts are in place ever Wednesday at Scarborough Magistrates Courts and provides victims with the confidence that when they report the incident to the police they will get all the support they need to make a complaint. An Independent Advisor will keep the victim informed of what will happen and be in court as a supporter if requested.
Work is also undertaken with perpetrators male or female which can include bailing the perpetrator away from the family home. Work also includes programmes (currently for males only) that have been sentenced at court. These programmes challenge the offender's behaviour and encourages them to change it to prevent re-offending.
Safety Planning and someone to talk to is very important for children and young people who witness domestic abuse.
The agencies invovled in the delivery of the scheme include:-
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Probation Service
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Safer Ryedale
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Victim Support North Yorkshire
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North Yorkshire Police
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Domestic Abuse Services (formerly known as Scarborough Women's Aid)
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Foundation Housing
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Ryedale District Council
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Ryedale Housing Association
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Yorkshire Coast Homes
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Her Majesty's Court Services
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Crown Prosecution Service
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B&B Partnership
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NSPCC
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs)
MARAC's provide a forum for those people at serious risk of harm from domestic abuse and make safety plans to support them. The aim of a MARAC is to increase the safety and well being of adults and any children involved and reduce the risk of becoming repeat victims. A number of different agencies are invited to a MARAC and sign a confidentiality agreement at the start of every MARAC.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse and would like to get support, the following agencies can be contacted:
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Domestic Abuse Services support for female and male victims/survivors - 01724 365609
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Independent Domestic Violence Advisor support for female and male victims/survivors - 07841067966
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National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
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Respect Phone Line for abusive partners - 0845 122 8609
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In the case of emergency contact the police - 999
