Domestic Abuse Services Information

Introduction

We use the term Domestic Abuse/Violence (interchangeably) to describe the pattern of abuse (such as threats, intimidation, social isolation, financial control and/or physical, sexual, emotional and/or psychological violence) of one person (usually a woman) by another (usually a man) with whom they have or have had an intimate or family relationship.

The WIDA Forum recognises all of the above forms of domestic abuse but focuses mainly on women experiencing domestic abuse from partners and ex partners and is represented by a range agencies.

It is clear from the prevalence of studies that violence against women is widespread throughout the world and thus cuts across class, age, religion and ethnic groups.

Abuse often continues after a victim has separated from the abuser, which occurs most often when access visits for children have to be arranged between parents, guardians or carers.

Domestic abuse not only causes damage to those people directly experiencing it, but also almost always affects children within the relationship. Children may be at risk of suffering long-term psychological and emotional damage as a result of witnessing the abuse perpetrated against either parent.

The information presented here has been produced as part of the Western Isles Domestic Abuse Forum’s strategy to provide accessible advice and information on domestic abuse for both professionals working with abuse and people who experience abuse throughout the Western Isles.

Government departments, local and national women’s aid groups and a number of regional multi-agency Domestic Abuse Forums have recognised that it is the responsibility of all agencies to work together to respond more effectively to the needs of those experiencing domestic abuse and their children.

The Western Isles Domestic Abuse (WIDA) Forum is a multi-agency group set up to ensure a consistent and co-ordinated approach is taken by all agencies involved in the delivery of services to people who experience the consequences of domestic abuse in the Western Isles.