Women 3 times more likely to be arrested for domestic abuse
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Women are three times more likely to be arrested for domestic abuse, even though they are far more likely to be the victims of physical violence, threats, harassment or property damage, research by the University of Bristol has revealed.
In one of the most comprehensive studies into the issue of domestic violence in the UK, the findings revealed that 92% of recorded incidents are perpetrated by men – but while women who perpetrated violence were arrested every three incidents, men were arrested once every ten incidents.
Professor Marianne Hester: Report author
The research also showed that:
- men inflict more violence than women do and are more likely to instill fear in their victims;
- women are more likely to use weapons, often in order to protect themselves;
- the largest number of repeat incidents occur when both men and women inflict violence;
- the majority of cases involve alcohol abuse;
- children are present in the majority of cases, with some incidents related to child contact.
Professor Marianne Hester, of the University of Bristol’s School for Policy Studies, said the findings provided crucial evidence to ensure the justice system provides safety for victims.
“Both men and women can be violent, but there are significant differences in the way men and women use violence and abuse against their partners and also the impact of such behaviour,” she said.
“This needs to be taken this into account if we want to ensure greater safety for individuals. The research has crucial lessons for the criminal justice system in this respect.”
The publication of the report, done on behalf of the Northern Rock Foundation, comes in the week a campaign was launched in Bristol to educate young people on how to identify the signs of a violent, abusive partner.
Safer Bristol has teamed up with NHS Bristol and the North Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum, part of Safer Bristol’s domestic violence and abuse delivery group, to highlight the extent of domestic violence and abuse, show the danger signs of an unhealthy relationship and provide information for victims.
Up to 26% of women in Bristol are victims of domestic abuse at some point in their lives – with two women killed every week nationwide – according to information from Bristol City Council, and the number of cases rise during the summer.
A novel approach has been designed to get the message across – temporary tattoos with slogans such as ‘Freedom Not Domination’, ‘No Excuses’, ‘Say No To Control’, and ‘Equal Love’ will be given out to anyone visiting the NHS Bristol stall at the Bristol Festival on the weekend of September 18, 19 and 20.
Printed on the back is advice on what makes an unhealthy relationship and local helpline numbers.
Amy Campbell from NHS Bristol said: “The warning signs of domestic abuse can start very early in a relationship when people are dating. It is hard to talk about it but there are some great organisations in Bristol who will listen and help people get information on choices available.
“Nobody should have to live with feeling scared, being put down and made to feel useless. This is the message we are trying to communicate through our summer campaign to raise awareness of the issue.”
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