Helping to raise awareness of domestic abuse across Defence

Across Defence we continue to raise awareness about the impact of domestic abuse and how to get support as a Service Person, Armed Forces family member or Civil Servant.

The impact of domestic abuse can be devastating, and it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Despite affecting many people;  2.4 million adults in England and Wales (1.7 million women and 699,000 men according to the Office for National Statistics), domestic abuse can be difficult to detect and encompasses a broad range of actions typified by a pattern of coercion and control.

Given the impact of domestic abuse and in my role as the Defence Senior Domestic Abuse Awareness Champion I want to take this opportunity to share with you some recent developments that increase support for those affected by domestic abuse.

Firstly, the Defence Domestic Abuse Survivors Network and Advocacy Network (DDASCAN) launched earlier this year and is independent of any Chain of Command. DDASCAN is run and coordinated by Defence personnel who are survivors of domestic abuse. The network is officially recognised as being ‘whole force’ meaning that membership is open to any Defence employee (military or civilian). The Network brings survivors together to provide mutual support and functions as a platform for allies to learn about how they can support as a friend, colleague, or manager. The start-up Network comprises of female survivors and the intention is to establish other groups such as one for male survivors.

This autumn we will publish our Defence Action Plan setting out how we will continue to tackle domestic abuse over the next 5 years. To do this we will need to work together with a ‘One Defence’ mindset and ensure we continue to create an environment where support is offered and support seeking is encouraged.

I hope you will help by sharing these developments amongst your colleagues and in your workplace. By doing so we can amplify awareness, encourage support and continue to send a message that there is ‘No Defence for Abuse’. ​​​​​​​