Day 5 of #16DaysofActivism Against Gender Based Violence Domestic abuse is one of the most damaging forms of gender-based violence, affecting individuals across all demographics—regardless of gender, culture, religion, or social status. Domestic abuse often happens behind closed doors, making it challenging for victims to seek help. The isolation, fear, and shame that victims experience can leave them feeling trapped in toxic relationships, unable to reach out to friends, family, and professionals for support When I joined the police service back in 1990 the response to domestic abuse was very different to today's response. Victims of domestic abuse were frequently told to "sort it out" or “leave if they didn’t like it,” with little to no understanding of the psychological and emotional toll abuse has on individuals. The domestic related incidents were often treated as a private issue, with limited resources and support for victims. Police responses were sometimes reactive, and there were fewer laws or specialised services in place to address the complexities of domestic violence. Fast forward to today, there is a far greater recognition that domestic abuse is a serious crime and that it requires immediate and professional intervention. There is more focus on victim safety, perpetrator accountability, and long-term prevention. The recent introduction of legal protections like Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs), and other civil orders offers a more proactive and comprehensive response. https://lnkd.in/eB4hKtK2 We must break the silence around domestic abuse and raise awareness about the resources and support available to those in need. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their own home. Would you be open to discussing the reluctance to report incidents to the police and ways to improve the police's response, especially within marginalized communities? Feel free to reach out to me. #DomesticAbuse #GenderBasedViolence #EndTheSilence #SupportSurvivors #StopViolenceAgainstWomen #HumanRights 🔦
Thanks for sharing this Narinder P Kaur Sidhu, unfortunately in South Asian communities we see emotional and economic abuse a lot and it can be normalised, so it’s important to highlight that it shouldn’t be!
Very informative
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2wFirstly, Narinder P Kaur Sidhu, thank you for your post! As a South Asian woman, openly talking about abuse is truly powerful and inspiring. I wholeheartedly agree that breaking the silence and increasing awareness is essential. The reluctance to report incidents often goes beyond a lack of trust in the system or fear of harm; it's about protecting family izzat (honour) and the fear of what others will say. Domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life, and it’s heartbreaking to see how many feel trapped by fear, shame, and isolation. Sometimes, victims don’t even realise they are being abused, often making excuses for the perpetrator’s behaviour. Why? Because they aren’t ready to face the reality, or they believe that family izzat comes first. There are so many reasons why we allow this behaviour to persist in our lives. Yes, breaking the silence is key. It’s crucial for those experiencing domestic abuse to come forward. Taking that first step is undoubtedly the hardest, and you will go through a whirlwind of emotions. But once you take it, you begin the healing process and reclaim your power. 🙏