Domestic Abuse News Roundup: w/c 19th July 2021

📄 Women’s Aid release report on the Gendered Experiences of Justice and Domestic Abuse

Women’s Aid and the University of Bristol have released a report on the Gendered Experiences of Justice and Domestic Abuse which highlights why it is vital that we recognise the role sexism and misogyny play in setting the scene for domestic abuse.

The report’s main findings are grouped around three themes:

• Household/relationship roles
• Sexuality and intimate partner relationships
• Mental health and domestic abuse

💻 1 in 10 people in the UK admit to using technology to spy on their partner

The use of spyware apps increased by 93% since lockdowns began and recent data shows 1 in 10 people in the UK have used these to spy on their partners.

This technology can be download onto someone’s devices without their awareness or permission, allowing the stalker to track their victim’s moves, and giving them access to private images, videos, emails and messages. It can also allow them to eavesdrop on calls and secretly record conversations.

Tech abuse includes current or former partners using smartphones or their children’s devices to track a woman’s location, sharing revenge porn online or repeated calls, messages, harassment on social media.

🏘️ Victims of domestic abuse who are homeless will now be prioritised for accommodation

According to the Domestic Abuse Act, local councils are now required to prioritise accommodation for individuals who became homeless as a result of domestic abuse, a move which is long overdue. This ensures that victims do not stay with their abusers from fear of becoming homeless.

Previously, in order to get a prioritised accommodation, victims had to be assessed as being ‘vulnerable’ due to domestic abuse. However, under the new law, domestic abuse is now considered a valid reason for people to qualify for the support required.

Sources: Women’s Aid, University of Bristol, The Independent, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, gov.uk, Oldham Evening Chronicle