Call for Views: A new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy - Public Survey

Overview

Call for Views:  A new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy - Public Survey

Why are we doing this survey?

Thank you for your interest in taking part in this survey.  We are interested in collecting information on the public’s views about domestic and sexual abuse.  This information will be of great assistance and will be used to help us to write a new strategy about how we tackle this issue.

The survey is open to those individuals aged 16 and above.  Everyone is welcome to complete this survey, you do not have to have experienced domestic or sexual abuse.  If you have you may prefer to complete the separate Call for Views - Victim Survey.  For those aged under 16 we are asking our partner organisations to facilitate targeted focus group discussions.

 Support

This survey includes questions related to domestic and sexual abuse.  We appreciate that completing this survey may trigger memories for you or be upsetting.  As your well being is key you may wish to have someone with you for support as you complete the survey or if you have been affected more generally.  You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline for free on 0808 802 1414. The Helpline is a confidential service available 24/7 to both women and men.  A telephone translation service is also available.

What is domestic and sexual abuse?

Domestic abuse can happen anywhere; it can happen either inside or outside the home.  When a family member, current or former partner is violent or abusive to you, you’re experiencing domestic abuse.  It can involve physical contact, verbal or emotional abuse, controlling behaviour and threats to harm or kill you.

Sexual abuse is any behaviour thought to be of a sexual nature which is unwanted and takes place without consent. It can be physical, psychological, verbal or online. Any behaviour of a sexual nature that causes you distress is considered sexual abuse.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic and/or sexual abuse.  Our new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy will apply equally to both women and men.

 What does my participation involve?

The survey should take no more than 15 – 20 minutes to complete.  There are no right or wrong answers; please give as honest an opinion as you feel able.

All responses to the questions will be totally anonymous and no-one will know that you participated.  We do not ask for your name at any point (except for your email address if you want a copy of your response).  We will, however, ask about some of your characteristics (e.g. age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.) as it is helpful for us to understand the views of individuals from a range of demographic backgrounds. These questions are, however, voluntary and there is no pressure on anyone to answer them.

Why your views matter

Your views are being sought in order to inform the development of new strategies - Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy and Equally Safe - a Strategy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls.

It is advisable to read the Call for Views document prior to completing the survey.