Winter wellbeing: domestic abuse awareness

Trigger warning: Content mentions domestic abuse

The next blog in our 'Winter wellbeing' series focuses on domestic abuse awareness. Sadly, this time of year, domestic abuse and violence can increase. Shorter days, more time spent indoors, financial pressures and holiday stresses can increase tension, but also reduce opportunities to seek help.  

Unfortunately, domestic abuse is a common reality for many people within society, regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity or belief.

Approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, with data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS, 2024) estimating that in the year ending March 2024, 2.3 million people over the aged of 16 had experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales. Domestic abuse can lead to a variety of mental health problems, homelessness, and isolation. 

Definition: 'Domestic abuse is a pattern of abusive behaviour in any relationship that is used by one partner or family member to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner or family member and is defined within the Domestic Abuse Act of 2021'. 

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) identifies several risk factors for domestic abuse, including ‘being female, being a young adult, having a comorbid mental health problem or long-term illness, separating from a partner, being pregnant, or being socio-economically disadvantaged’. 

On average the police receive a call for domestic abuse every 30 seconds, yet less than 1 in 5 people will report to the police. 
If you or someone you know needs help, you and they are not alone, there is a range of support available including:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (for women), call 0808 2000 247 
• Respect Men’s Advice Line (for men), call 0808 8010 327 
• Galop (for LGBTQ+), call 0800 999 5428 
• The Links Group (pet fostering) 
• For animal welfare concerns, contact the RSPCA / Scottish SPCA / USPCA 
• Bright Sky app provides free support and information, and is available on both the Apple Store and Google Play. 

You can also receive help in finding a safe space in person, such as at a pharmacy or bank, or online. If you are exploring these options, Women's Aid provide advice on how to cover your tracks online to stay safe. 

In an emergency you/those in immediate danger should call 999 and ask for the police. If you/they cannot talk, call 999 followed by 55. 

The Safe Spaces Campaign by UK Says No More, also provides a range of useful information for organisations to help those experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.  

If you need help or support, you can also contact the Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551.