This week Panorama on BBC revealed harrowing footage of domestic violence episodes filmed by police response teams equipped with body-worn video cameras.

The documentary Caught on Camera made uncomfortable viewing, and highlighted the force of coercive control over victims, who often seek to please and placate the abuser.

This is not an occasional crime, and we should all be more aware of victims who may need our support in finding a way out.

When looking at victims of domestic violence there is little difference between men and women, with 7.3 per cent of women (about 1.2 million) and five per cent of men (about 800,000) having experienced domestic abuse in the past year.

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According to Office of National Statistics figures released in February, about seven women and two men are killed each month by their partners – crimes that happen behind closed curtains to men and women in ordinary neighbourhoods.

There is a growing body of research into intimate partner violence, but how much do we really understand about what goes on inside families?

Caught on Camera revealed how helpless a victim may feel when experiencing continual violence, and the hopelessness that follows when one is under the control and power of another person.

Often people feel they have no choice and that there is no way out of the situation.

Victims fear for their life, and tread on eggshells in order to avoid an explosion of temper.

The police may be called, again and again, to a home where a victim is clearly injured but does not want to press charges, so what can they do to stop the violence against them? Men or women who are worried about their partner’s behaviour are now able to request that the police reveal any relevant information under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – also known as Clare’s Law.

Following a request, the scheme allows the police to disclose information about a partner’s previous history of domestic abuse or violent acts.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders are also available, which enable police and courts to provide protection to victims in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident.

Where abuse or violence is occurring within a family setting, solicitors can also provide advice and guidance about how to find refuge and protect any children.

The court has power to order that a person leaves the family home and makes it an arrestable offence for them to return. For those who are in fear of their lives, or who have suffered serious violence, there are a number of organisations in Oxfordshire that can assist victims in leaving the family home to safety. You can call the Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Service on 0800 7310055, Women’s Aid on 0808 2000 247 or The Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.

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