Preventing and responding to domestic violence

The stresses experienced by refugees can fuel domestic violence. Domestic violence is illegal. The refugee women (link to 0.5.1) area of this website gives more information about this. Preventative and rehabilitative programmes directed towards refugees need to be tailored to both their individual and community circumstances, including their refugee experiences.

Respect is the UK membership association for domestic violence perpetrator programmes and associated support services. It promotes positive actions men can take to reduce domestic violence. The website includes Get help information, such as a telephone helpline, both for male and female perpetrators of domestic violence. There are also links to programmes being run for men in order to manage their aggression.

A range of websites provide information, advice and support to men and women about domestic violence. For example:

• BRAVE based in Bradford and linked to Respect

• The Alternatives to Violence Project is a network of volunteers running workshops for anyone who wants to find ways of resolving conflict without resorting to violence.

• SupportLine provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue. 

• Tapestri works towards ending violence and oppression in immigrant and refugee communities in the United States. 

Refugee men may also come from countries where prevalent attitudes towards domestic violence differ from those in the UK.

Men can be victims of domestic violence. The BBC website provides information on this. Health practitioners can assist refugee men in understanding that domestic violence is a criminal offence. Although there is no single criminal offence of ‘domestic violence’, there are several categories within the law that constitute a criminal offence that may also be defined as domestic violence. The NHS Choices and women’s aid websites provide more information on domestic violence and the law.

Local centres can support victims of domestic violence. For example Croydon’s Family Justice Centre  offers victims and their families access to essential services under one roof in a supportive environment.