Home Office Definition of Domestic Abuse 2006

"Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are, or have been, in a relationship, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality."

• Domestic abuse is the abuse of power in a close relationship; it takes many forms including physical, psychological, sexual, economical, verbal and emotional exploitation. The threat of violence and abuse is also included.
• It almost always includes emotional abuse.
• In a British Crime Survey in 2004, it was stated that 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse at some stage in their life.
• Domestic abuse ranges in scale and frequency. It has more repeat victims than any other crime.
• An average of 35 assaults take place before the Police are called.
• Domestic abuse is the largest cause of morbidity worldwide in women aged between 19-44, greater than war, cancer or car accidents.
• On average, 42% of female murder victims are killed by current or former partners.
• Domestic abuse knows no boundaries; it occurs across all classes, nationalities, religions, cultures, ages, physical and mental abilities. It happens in both heterosexual and same sex relationships.
• Domestic abuse causes feelings of shame, guilt and humiliation which degrade and belittle.
• Domestic abuse increases the demands on services such as housing, social services, health services, the legal system and voluntary agencies as well as impacting on education and child welfare.
• Between 240,000 and 963,000 children in the UK have witnessed violence against a parent or caregiver.
• The estimated total number of women who were been victims of domestic abuse in Leeds in 2004 is 18,481.  
• The annual cost of domestic abuse in Leeds is £322 million.