Laura Sharman 17 July 2019

Domestic abuse victims in rural areas ‘failed’ by system

Victims of domestic abuse living in the countryside are ‘isolated, unsupported and unprotected’ a damning report has warned today.

An 18-month research project, conducted by the National Rural Crime Network, has found many victims living in rural areas are being failed by the system and services.

It found domestic abuse in rural areas lasts longer, is harder and more complex than in urban areas.

Support services are scarce and the policing response is largely ‘inadequate’ the study also uncovered.

In the foreword to the report, Julia Mulligan, chair of the National Rural Crime Network and police, fire and crime commissioner for North Yorkshire, said: ‘In the first instance, we need to acknowledge there is a significant, hidden problem and understand its specific complexities, because by continuing to gloss over the reality we are inadvertently supporting the perpetrators who often employ rurality as a weapon in their abuse.

‘We need to take a fresh look at the map. At the white spaces where ‘nothing’ happens, because abuse is there, secreted in the underbelly of our countryside. We must innovate, to find ways to overcome the specific barriers rural victims face, so they get the support they deserve, and we can deal with the perpetrators.’

The report calls on the Government to apply its ‘rural proofing’ policy to domestic abuse, improve support services for rural victims and survivors and commit to redressing the urban bias.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner