What is domestic abuse?
The law now recognises psychological harm, as well as physical harm, as an offence.
This means that abusers engaging in patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour (behaviour that has taken place on two or more occasions) can now be punished by law.
Have you experienced threats, abuse or violence from a partner, boyfriend or ex in the last 3 years? Does/did your partner, boyfriend or ex try to control what you do, where you go, or other choices you want to make in your daily life?
Make a Stand
The Pledge has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women's Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance. By signing up to the Pledge, ºúÌÒÅ®Éñ has committed to providing specific support for people experiencing domestic abuse.
This includes:
- Putting in place a policy to support residents who are affected by domestic abuse
- Making information about national and local domestic abuse support services available on the council website and in other appropriate places so that they are easily accessible for residents and staff
- Putting in place a HR policy, or amending an existing policy, to support members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse
- Appointing a champion at a senior level in the organisation to oversee activity to support people experiencing domestic abuse.
ºúÌÒÅ®Éñ and Bute Violence against Women and Girls Partnership
We work to ensure that domestic and gender based violence against women and girls, is not tolerated and that the right services are in place to support survivors. We bring together key partners including the Council, Health Board, Police, Education, Criminal and Community Justice, Housing and other Third Sector organisations, to provide a focus for actions to eradicate violence and the impacts of violence on survivor’s lives. These key actions make up the ºúÌÒÅ®Éñ and Bute Equally Safe Implementation Plan 2018 – 2021.
We work with our members to ensure that they have policies and procedures that are gender informed and support survivors of domestic abuse and their families. This includes advice services that offer support, such as: counselling; housing, welfare rights advice and signposting to other services. Our work also ensures that members have the appropriate policies and procedures in place to support their own employees effectively. In addition we work alongside Criminal Justice, Community Justice and the Judiciary to create programmes for perpetrators in order to allow them to address their behaviour.
We believe it is essential to consult with survivors and other important groups, and keep them informed of our work and the work of our members. As a part of this, views and feedback are welcomed on the work of the partnership and the information contained on this webpage.
Contact us at da@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Are you or is someone you know suffering from domestic abuse?
If you are seeking advice and support please contact the support services listed on this page directly. They will do everything they can to meet your needs and will signpost you to other organisations, if you need extra help.