HEALTH MATTERS
●● WITH Sally Rogers, lead nurse and member of NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) AN estimated one in four women and one in six men in the UK is subject to domestic violence during their lifetime.
Two women a week are killed by a current or former male partner.
Although many people consider domestic violence to be physical acts such as hitting or slapping, it can also include financial and emotional abuse, forced marriage and so-called ‘honour crimes’.
The official definition of domestic violence is ‘any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality’.
While the number incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police is thankfully quite low in Eastern Cheshire, there may be many people who are too afraid to come forward.
In 2011, there were 7.1 recorded victims of domestic abuse for every 1,000 people in the Cheshire East Council footprint, which dropped to 4.9 per 1,000 by 2014.
Nationally, however, the number of recorded incidents rose from 19.2 to 19.9 per every 1,000 in the same period – so domestic abuse is a problem we can’t afford to ignore.
Locally, the Cheshire East Abuse Hub (CEDAH) is a resource for anyone who has experienced domestic abuse.
CEDAH is a point of contact for families affected by abuse and those who support them and provides information, consultation and referral services, among others.
The service can be contacted at any time of day or night by calling 0300 123 5101 or emailing cedah@cheshireeast.gcsx. gov.uk.
Health professionals such as midwives, health visitors, GPs, practice nurses and A&E staff in hospitals are also trained to support victims and signpost them to domestic abuse services.
There is a White Ribbon event taking place at Congleton Town Hall on November 25, in support of the global campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing levels of violence against women. It is open to all by application - email cheryl. spencer@cheshireeast. gov.uk for more information or an application form.