Domestic violence

Last updated: 11/03/2013 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

image of a window with the text 'violence in the home is more common than violence in the street, pub or workplace'

One in four women experience domestic violence at some stage in their lives and although we do not yet have an accurate picture of male abuse, it is clear that men do suffer as well.

Domestic violence / abuse may begin at any stage of a relationship and can continue after a relationship has ended. It can take many forms, from physical attacks to bullying and threats. It is often physical, psychological, emotional, financial and sexual in nature.

Domestic violence always affects children and cuts across the boundaries of social class, age, disability, sexuality and lifestyle. If you are being abused by someone you know or someone who lives with you and you would like some information, help and advice please use the numbers below:

Help and information available

In an emergency always dial 999 (Police, Ambulance, Fire Services)

Victim Support advice and counselling - 0845 05 67 999
Twelves Company Independant Domestic Violence Advocacy - 08458 121212
NSPCC advice and information - 01872 245230
National Women's Aid Helpline (Freephone 24 hours) - 0808 2000 247
DiVA Helpline, Outreach and Counselling Project - 01736 759 687
St Austell Refuge - 01726 871244
Broken Rainbow Cornwall DV Advice for Lesbian, Gay, Bi Sexual and Transgender - 0800 5875247
Mid Cornwall Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hours) - 01872 225629
SUsie Project - 01209 699241
Cornwall Women's Refuge Trust - 01872 225629
Cornwall Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre - 01872 262100
Women's Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre - 01208 77099
West Cornwall Woman's Aid - 01736 367539
Police Domestic Violence Unit - 08452 777 444
Male Domestic Violence Advice Line (Victim Support) - 0800 3283623
(Monday-Friday 12:00pm to 14:00pm)
Waves (Provides counselling service, therapy and group support) -01872 225406
ESTEEM empowering men affected by Domestic Abuse -08453 887 823

Cornwall Sanctuary Project

The Sanctuary Project is a victim centred initiative, which aims to make it possible for victims of domestic violence and hate crime to remain in their homes and feel safe. The Cornwall Community Safety Partnership identified that despite all of the good work being done to help victims of domestic violence and hate crime, they were still feeling isolated and often gripped by the fear of repeat incidents.

This frequently resulted in them having to move home on numerous occasions, with the associated problems of moving away from family and friends and finding new schools for their children, etc. Home security and personal safety advice was always given, however there were no provisions in place for providing the victims with additional physical security measures.

In December 2005 the Sanctuary Project was launched, which assists repeat victims of domestic violence and hate crime to feel safe and remain in their homes, without having to make themselves voluntarily homeless. It is not limited to council or housing tenants and includes any person who is threatened with violence.

The main feature of the project is the creation of a Sanctuary Room, which consists of having an internal door replaced with a solid core door and reversing it to open outwards, so that the door jamb acts as an additional barrier. Two mortice bolts, three steel hinges, hinge bolts and a door viewer are also added. Additional security can be provided, i.e. locks on windows and doors, grilles, gates, fire escape ladders and anti arson letterboxes.

Sanctuary has a written Policy and Procedures which details what action can be taken to protect survivors of Domestic and Sexual abuse.

The feedback from recipients of the Sanctuary Project shows that their fear of crime has been dramatically reduced.