Domestic Abuse Remember that Victims and Perpetrators may not always be those you expect
It’s easy to assume that domestic abuse only affects partners or ex-partners within a relationship. However, an increasingly common form of abuse, with potentially devastating results, is set to challenge those inherent beliefs. In 2014/15, 3% of the approx. 700 referrals to Somerset’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service were for victims where the perpetrator was their child. The child in question was not a young adolescent, but a grown-up adult child typically in their 20s or 30s. These cases prompted the Safer Somerset Partnership to join up with the Safer Devon Partnership to raise awareness of this form of abuse during this year’s domestic abuse awareness week (23rd to 27th November 2015). If you know anyone who needs support because of any form of domestic violence or abuse they can call the local helpline on 0800 69 49 999 or email: heretohelp@knightstone.co.uk. If you would like materials to promote awareness in your surgery, please email communitysafetyteam@somerset.gov.uk
