Incidents of domestic abuse in the county have doubled since 2007, according to statistics from Lincolnshire police.
Almost ten thousand incidents of domestic abuse or violence were reported to the force, between February last year and January this year.
Lincolnshire police say there’s been a year on year increase in the number of incidents reported to them.
However, police spokesperson James Newall explains that the figures mean more people feel able to report domestic abuse to them: “The interpretation of the statistics is quite important because obviously we’ve seen that year on year increase. That doesn’t necessarily mean domestic abuse is increasing year on year, it means people are telling us more about it.”
The national definition of domestic abuse changes on the 31st March, to include 16-17 year olds, and also abusers who use controlling behaviour or psychological abuse.
James Newall says Lincolnshire police are already aware: “Although very recently definitions of domestic abuse have been changed to incorporate younger teenagers, we’ve actually incorporated that definition for the last couple of years. We’re conscious of the fact that domestic abuse does take place in younger relationships.”
Karen Shooter is Domestic Abuse Services Manager, for Lincolnshire County Council. She says there are some worrying trends behind the figures: “We are seeing a worrying trend around the use of technology. Particularly in young women, who are being encouraged to take sexually explicit pictures of themselves which are then used against them either by their partner or an ex-partner.”
However, Karen Shooter says widening the definition is a positive move: “Domestic abuse isn’t caused by anything; it’s the choice of the perpetrator. There’s now a national recognition that young people are involved in serious relationships, and sometimes there is abuse.”
Sarah, has been through an abusive relationship, and hopes that others will learn from her story: “I still dread that somehow he’ll find out where I am. You can’t help but have that feeling of fear and panic.
“I’m still struggling now, I came out of that relationship with an eating disorder, as he used to tell me I was fat and encourage me to throw up after meals.”
She says anyone suffering with it shouldn’t be afraid to speak out: “Speak to someone that you trust, it can be anyone. Don’t give them the satisfaction of staying around.”
You can find out more about the information and support available in Lincolnshire, by visiting www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/domesticabuse.