Domestic Abuse

Why this is a priority

Domestic abuse is the most common driver for violent assaults and accounts for 18% of all crime in Portsmouth.

- - - 45% of violent assaults in Portsmouth happen in a family setting, between partners, ex-partners or family members
    - Domestic violence and abuse is under-reported
    - 7% of people in England & Wales – approx. 9000 in Portsmouth – are likely to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year.

It has been a priority for the Safer Portsmouth Partnership (SPP) for over a decade and continues to be a priority for all SPP partner organisations as it impacts on:

- - - Child Protection
    - Mental Health
    - Substance Misuse

What is the cost

Domestic violence/abuse can result in serious emotional, psychological and physical harm to both victim/survivor and their family, and it is thought to cost Portsmouth services around £13.5 million per year. This includes costs of about £6 million to health services, £3 million to the criminal justice system (excluding police), £2 million to the police, £1 million to children’s social care and about £600,00 to local authority housing services.

What we know

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines the new statutory definition of domestic abuse and includes associated “abusive behaviours”. The Act recognises that men, women and children can all be victims of domestic abuse. It can also occurs in same-sex relationships, although it is most commonly perpetrated by men towards women, regardless of their ethnicity, age, gender or gender identity, sexuality or social background.

We are raising awareness about unhealthy behaviours with young people in schools and colleges through our ‘Is This Love?’ campaign.

Domestic Abuse Strategy

The Domestic Abuse Strategy 2022-23 was approved by Portsmouth’s Health and Wellbeing Board in February 2022. Delivery of the agreed actions in the strategy is closely co-ordinated with work to deliver Hampshire Constabulary’s domestic abuse strategy and the new national violence against women and girls framework. A significant proportion of the most serious violence in the city is domestic related and actions to prevent and reduce this is also contained in Portsmouth’s Violent Crime Unit Response Strategy and the Children’s Trust Plan 2020-2023. Progress is regularly monitored by the multi-agency Domestic Abuse Strategy Group chaired by the Deputy Director for Children’s Social Care. The newly established Domestic Abuse Practitioner’s Group meets twice a year to provide feedback on front line work and acts as a consultation group for the development of local good practice.

Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy

The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy was released in July 2021. The government have promised to increase support for victims and survivors, increase the number of perpetrators brought to justice and reduce the prevalence of violence against women and girls in the long term. To view the VAWG strategy please click here.

Getting help

In an emergency situation always call 999 for help.

If you are safe, but need to report a crime such as criminal damage, physical violence or sexual violence, call the Police on 101.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need support, please get in touch with the Stop Domestic Abuse service, our domestic abuse team, for advice and support on 023 9206 5494 or by email. Our experienced specialist team is on hand to discuss your concerns and needs, 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 6pm weekends and bank holidays. Contact can be by phone or face-to-face in a safe location.