Domestic Abuse Awareness Month – October 2022

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has joined forces with Humber NHS Foundation Trust, City Health Care Partnership and Humberside Police to support this year’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Month in October.

The combined approach is to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the various forms it comes in, with a focus this year in the East Riding on coercive control, domestic abuse in rural communities, diversity and children affected by domestic abuse.

Residents in the East Riding are encouraged to follow East Riding of Yorkshire Council (@East_Riding) and Humber NHS Foundation Trust (@Humbersafeguard) on Twitter to learn more about these important issues as we move through the domestic abuse month of awareness in October.

Full information on the support available for victims of domestic abuse can be found here: https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/crime-and-community-safety/domestic-violence/domestic-violence-adult-services/

Councillor David Elvidge, portfolio holder for community empowerment and voluntary sector at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Domestic Abuse Awareness Month is designed to unify women and men across the world who have been victims of domestic violence and abuse. It is important to recognise that domestic abuse impacts millions of people, and it’s not only women who are victims; many men suffer domestic violence as well.

“It is a problem across every status, culture, religion, and race. There are many different forms of domestic violence and abuse as well, which is why raising awareness is so critical. Residents can use the council’s own ‘options advisor’ on the website should they feel they need help or advice but don’t feel they can speak to somebody about their situations. The advisor is there for people 24-hours a day and can give advice should you suspect somebody else has become a victim of domestic abuse.”

Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership (DVAP)

The East Riding Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership (DVAP) provides support for all victims of domestic abuse regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. Their Prevention of Domestic Abuse Service (PODAS) help individuals struggling with their behaviour in their personal relationships, that may be or are at risk of being abusive.

Self-referrals (calling about your own situation) can be made by calling 01482 396368 or completing the online referral form. Professionals need to complete the online referral and DASH risk assessment then email to . DVAP provides consent-based support for victims of domestic abuse, where information will only be shared with consent, unless there are concerns about risk of harm to children or serious criminal offences being committed.

The team will work with you so that you don’t face domestic abuse alone and to help make the situation safer for you.

If you need immediate support in an emergency or are concerned for your own or someone else’s immediate safety, please always ring the Police on 999.

Alternatively, you can ring the Police for a non-emergency on 101.

The DVAP Website Options Advisor also provides safety information which is available on their website 24 hours a day.