Domestic abuse: The shocking statistics

Council’s draft strategy on ‘hidden crime’ out for consultation

SHOCKING statistics about domestic abuse in West Berkshire have been released.

New figures show that around 25,500 people will experience it in their lifetimes in the district.

And in the last year there were 381 enquiries and 120 referrals to West Berkshire’s Women’s Aid Refuge.

Eighty-eight victims at high risk of harm or homicide were referred to the authorities.

The council’s draft domestic abuse strategy, now out for public consultation, also points to one in five homelessness cases being related to domestic abuse.

Survey results say 71 per cent of victims in West Berkshire said the person abusing them kept track of where they went or how they spent time with 38 per cent saying they did not think they would be taken seriously if they told people what was happening.

“I was scared of losing my friends and them siding with him and not believing me,” said one respondent.

“Domestic abuse [DA] is a ‘hidden crime’ which is as present in West Berkshire as it is anywhere else,” said Jade Wilder, lead officer for domestic abuse at West Berkshire Council.

“The figures we have show that clearly, and it is disturbing to think that more than 25,000 people in West Berkshire will experience DA over their lifetime.

“That’s a compelling reason to take part in this consultation.

“Only by hearing from local people can we make the changes needed to ensure our strategy is fit for purpose and reflective of the needs in our local area.”

The council says its commitment to eradicating domestic abuse within West Berkshire extends beyond a ‘reactive stance’.

It says it has a prevention-focused model to act before harm, ushering in a new era where prevention is paramount.

The strategy stops short of explaining what and where such activities take place, but provides a framework to act before harm, increase safety for victims, stopping those who cause harm and empowering survivors to thrive by increasing the housing related options available for survivors through a whole housing approach, social housing providers and key professionals from money advice/financial support services to enable survivors to rebuild their lives, addressing financial stability and secure housing.

Feedback will be used to inform the final strategy before it is submitted for consideration by elected members at an executive meeting in autumn 2024.

Only by hearing from local people can we make the changes needed to ensure our strategy is fit for purpose and reflective of the needs in our local area