New research into UK crime data by Lancaster university has shown that incidences of violence against women have increased in the last few years. This new research employs a new and improved methodology which removes the cap on the current recording of violent crime.
The current cap causes the underrepresentation of ‘high-frequency victims’, as for the purposes of official statistics, an individual can only be registered as a victim of a crime five times. Survivors of domestic violence often fall foul of this cap. Now, in light of this new research, researchers say that the rate of violent crime is in fact 60% higher than claimed in official statistics.
This 60% was not evenly distributed by gender. On analysis, researchers found that violent crime against women increased by 70%, in comparison with a 50% increase for crimes against men. You can read a further breakdown of the findings here.
According to Acting Director of End Violence Against Women, Sarah Green,
“This study is extremely welcome, because it gives a truer picture of what women experience.
“It blows a hole in the idea that all violent crime is simply falling – it shows men and women are experiencing different things. It also shows how everyday rape and domestic violence are.”
(Read more of EVAW’s response to the report here.)
Though the news that violence against women is increasing is not what any of us would describe as ‘welcome’, this study sheds a valuable light on the lived reality of thousands of women in the UK.
When 2 women are killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner, and 1 in 4 women will experience abuse in their lifetime, violence against women is an issue that is very close to home for most of us.
Incidences of domestic violence also increase in severity over time, and domestic violence as a crime has one of the highest rates of repeat victimisation– survivors of domestic violence are likely to experience abuse from multiple partners over a lifetime. Violence against women is deeply rooted in inequality. Although women have made inroads into gender equality, there are still an overwhelming pornography, news reporting and other entertainment that promote disrespect of, and violence against, women. It’s these cultural forces that allow perpetrators to excuse their behaviour.
It’s to be hoped that the findings of this new research will lead to increased support for the vital services that support survivors of abuse.
To read the report in full for yourself, go here.
If you are experiencing domestic and are in need of support, help is available to you.
If you are a woman experiencing domestic violence or abuse, you can call the following helplines as many times as you need to:
FREEPHONE Nottinghamshire 24 Hour Helpline 0808 8000 340
FREEPHONE 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0800 2000 247
If you are a man living in the County of Nottinghamshire and you are experiencing domestic abuse you can find guidance and support from Equation’s service for men on 0115 960 5556. The service is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm. A confidential 24-hour answerphone service is available and we aim to respond to you within 2 working days.
If you are a man experiencing abuse from a male or female partner you can also call the national men’s advice line on 0808 801 0327. This service is available Monday – Friday 9am-5pm. A confidential 24 hour answerphone service is available at all other times.
If you are experiencing violence or abuse in a same-sex relationship you can call Broken Rainbow for support on 0300 999 5428. The line is open Monday & Thursday 10am – 8pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-5pm, and Friday 1pm-5pm.