Domestic violence is an important and very sensitive topic for the people of Manchester. Many activists and organisations advocate for education and the prevention of violence cases on the territory of the city and its surroundings. As you know, this problem became widely spoken of not so long ago because the violence was kept silent for a very long time. Learn more at manchesterka.com.
Why was domestic violence kept silent for a very long time?
Even though domestic violence began to be talked about recently, it existed for many decades. It hasn’t been openly discussed for many reasons, including the fact that many thought it was the norm due to a lack of awareness, and other reasons, such as
- shame
- certain cultural or social norms
- fear of revenge
- lack of relevant institutions or support services
- legal consequences
- mistakes and a series of victim accusations
- the isolation that rapists often apply to the victim
- the complexity of the issue
- fear of being misunderstood
- and other superstitions.
Thus, we can say that for many years, domestic violence has been a rather complex and multifaceted problem, which includes victim control and emotional manipulation. Therefore, having encountered violence, the people of Manchester didn’t seek help. It seemed a very difficult task, which could threaten their lives even more than the violence they faced.
However, the topic of domestic violence has become talked about in Manchester in recent years thanks to public education. Moreover, city residents got access to a variety of services providing help and support in difficult life situations.
Cases and statistics of domestic violence in Manchester
Not taking into account the statistics of the 20th century, Manchester has experienced a huge number of cases of domestic violence since the beginning of the 21st century. Many of them weren’t even officially registered. Such sad statistics prompted the city authorities as well as law enforcement agencies to take immediate measures.
Thus, between 2022 and 2023, Manchester Police managed to achieve significant results in the fight against domestic violence in the city, thanks to various programs, including educational, and immediate response projects.
In particular, in 2023, the police registered more than 20,000 arrests in the city related to domestic violence, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial and other types. It was 66.2% more than in 2022. Thus, the statistics of domestic violence have increased, but the awareness of citizens has increased. They don’t keep silent and aren’t afraid to speak about their problems to the relevant authorities.
In addition, in 2023, the number of people taken into custody by the city’s law enforcement officers increased too. More than 3,000 people who turned out to be rapists were brought before the court. It speaks of the effective work of Manchester law enforcement officers. Not a single accused rapist went unpunished, every appeal from a resident of the city was considered by the relevant authorities.
However, the effective work of the city’s law enforcement agencies in the fight against violence didn’t end there. To be even more effective in combat and protection of domestic violence victims, they use the Domestic Violence Protection Notice. It is an immediate and emergency protection notice issued by the city police. Manchester Police can serve it on anyone over the age of 18 who they believe has been or is at risk of violence. In the 12 months of 2023, the police issued 43.6% more such notices than in 2022.
Hundreds of domestic violence cases come before Manchester Court every year. Some of them were
- the case of a 41-year-old man accused of hitting his wife in the face with a pan in front of their daughter
- the case of a 15-year-old boy who attacked his mother, spat at her and smashed the door at their home in Salford
- the case of a 33-year-old woman who threatened to kill her mother with a kitchen knife.
The cases of domestic violence and more are reported on The Guardian website.
Where can you seek help in case of domestic violence?
A few years ago, there were few support services for victims of domestic violence in Manchester. However, today, this problem has been taken more seriously in the city. Manchester victims of domestic violence can turn to law enforcement agencies, city authorities and such organisations as
- End the Fear, a centre that provides information and shelters throughout the city
- Wigan & Leigh Diaz Support Centre, a centre that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence (women and men) and also promotes their recovery
- National Domestic Violence Helpline, a 24-hour national helpline for women and children
- FLOWS, a legal support service
- The Sharan Project, a centre that provides assistance to women, especially of South Asian origin
- The Male Advice Line, a helpline for men who have become victims of abuse
- ManKind Initiative, another Manchester helpline for men
- Galop, a centre of emotional and practical support for LGBT+ representatives.
Modern Manchester has a bunch of organisations trying to reveal and promote the topic of the fight against domestic violence in every possible way. They help and recover victims of domestic violence, as well as promote timely response to appeals and protection of the victim and punishment of the rapist.