Hidden Violence & Abuse

What is Hidden Violence & Abuse?

Crime or behaviour where people who experience it are less likely to report it to the police or other helping agencies. This may be because of fear of repercussions, previous bad experience, not thinking it is worth it or a variety of other reasons. Examples are:

Domestic Violence & Abuse

Domestic violence is not a single incident or even a series of incidents.  It is essentially a pattern of behaviour designed to achieve power and control over a partner or ex- partner, which is achieved through the use of physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse or through movement restriction and/or social isolation.  It is usually a combination of all of these – and is widespread throughout every socio-economic group.  Domestic violence is most commonly perpetrated by men towards women.  Domestic violence frequently co-exists with child abuse.

Racial Harassment

Racial harassment is harassment or abuse, which is perceived by the victim to be racist

Homophobic Crime

Homophobic crime is where a person is targeted because of they are Lesbian Gay Bisexual or Transgendered, or perceived to be so.

Rape & Sexual Assault

Any unwanted sexual activity or attention

Abuse of Vulnerable Adults

Abuse experienced by someone who maybe vulnerable as a result of age, physical or mental ability, or because they have a learning disability.

Prostitution

Men or women or sometimes children, exchange sex for money. Often having had been victims of crime previously themselves. This is not a victimless crime.

What do we want to do?

As part of the Community Safety Strategy we are committed to:

  • Reduce the levels of these types of incidents
  • Provide support for people who experience them
  • Encourage people to be able to report
  • Reduce the repeat victimisation that is so often associated with these types of crimes
  • Educate people about these issues

How do we do it?

Provide a range of services including:

Work with specialist local voluntary & statutory partners to provide a
Co-ordinated service such as:

  • Inscape  - Homophobic Crime,
  • Portsmouth Area Rape Crisis Service – Rape & Sexual Abuse 
  • Social Care for Vulnerable Adults – Protection of Vulnerable Adults

We will also:

Provide training in these important issues

  • Liase closely with the Police Community Safety Team to provide a holistic service to people who experience these crimes
  • Research into what works and what the real picture is locally.
  • Work with local ‘forums’ to provide a wealth of experience from the people working with issues as part of their role, e.g. Racial Harassment Forum, Domestic Violence & Abuse Forum & Speaking Out Forum (homophobia)