- Domestic Abuse Commissioner updates and extends Easy Read version of her survey which aims to end ‘postcode lottery’ of services
- Commissioner will use her legal powers laid out in the Domestic Abuse Act to tackle inconsistencies
- Survey for anyone aged over 16 who used or thought about using domestic abuse services in the last three years
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales has updated and extended the Easy Read version of her survey which aims to tackle the “shocking” ‘postcode lottery’ of domestic abuse services in England and Wales.
Nicole Jacobs launched a comprehensive survey aimed at all domestic abuse survivors who have used or thought about using domestic abuse services in the last three years in December. The main survey has now closed but the Easy Read Version will be open until 11.59pm on March 11th 2022.
Every year around 2.3m people experience domestic abuse. On average two women on average are killed every week in by a current or former partner.
Ms Jacobs said: “We know from reviews following domestic abuse related homicides that key failings are the lack of understanding about domestic abuse in services and wider society which leads to victims not getting or being signposted to the support they need.
“We also know that the specialist services for domestic abuse are often under strain and are underfunded.
“All victims across England and Wales deserve equal access to the services that they need to keep them safe – and to help bring perpetrators to justice,” she added.
The Commissioner wants to hear from people who have experienced any kind of domestic abuse which can include but is not limited to, the following: coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence); psychological and/or emotional abuse; physical or sexual abuse; financial or economic abuse; harassment and stalking; online or digital abuse.
This national mapping exercise forms a key tranche of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s role and duties, as laid out in statute in the Domestic Abuse Act, which was granted Royal Assent earlier this year.
It is essential that all domestic abuse services are mapped in each area so that the Commissioner can identify gaps in provision and make recommendations for improvements.
The Easy Read Version of the survey can be found here and is open until 11.59pm on March 11th 2022.