One in four women and one in six men in Milton Keynes will suffer domestic abuse at some time, says council

They say research reveals that one in four women and one in six men will suffer abuse, either mental or physical, from their partners.

And sadly, lockdown has previously proved to be a time when cases of domestic abuse can rise or intensify.

Council leader Pete Marland said: "The impact can be devastating. MK Council is committed to reducing the overall level of domestic abuse and tackling the results of abuse."

He added: "It starts with being a good employer and ensuring our own staff are helped if in that situation, and that they are trained to spot the signs of domestic abuse where it may be happening and what to do in those circumstances.

The council has now adopted the GMB Union Stop Domestic Abuse Charter, which involves high support standards for employees dealing with domestic abuse, including additional leave if required, mental health support and access to victim support.

It is also pledging to ensure more staff are trained in spotting domestic abuse and highlighting the signs that not all abuse is physical.

Council employees will then be able to use these skills when delivering services to members of the public, helping the more general fight against domestic abuse.

Research shows many victims end up suffering more harm than the direct abuse, with an increase in debt, losing employment and even homelessness being linked to it.

In adopting the Charter, the council believes it won’t just be helping individuals who suffer abuse, but it will help to retain and support staff who may otherwise be lost.

Richard Owen, GMB Union Regional Organiser said: “It is important that local authorities adopt a gold standard when it comes to Domestic Abuse. As a union we are pleased Milton Keynes Council is adopting the GMB Stop Domestic Abuse Charter.

"It will not just help people directly affected with support, but will hopefully help identify more abuse where it is happening and improve the workplace. No-one should have to suffer twice for domestic abuse, so adopting policies that support employees during a difficult time makes sense for them and the local authority.”

Pete said: "Adopting this Charter is the right thing to do, but it’s also the sensible thing to do. Retaining staff, improving the services we give to the public and helping vulnerable people are the standards all employers should aim for and Milton Keynes Council is again leading by example."

If you are suffering domestic abuse and your safety is threatened, call the police on 101 (if it is not an emergency) or 999 in an emergency,

For advice, support and information you can contact:

MK-Act Crisis Intervention or call MKAct on 0344 375 4307 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm) which is a registered charity in Milton Keynes which works with families to help them move on from fear and abuse.

Victims First: provides free emotional and practical support, details on their website or phone: 0300 1234 148, Monday and Wednesday - 9am to 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday - 9am to 7pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm or online referral form

Flag DV: works across Thames Valley; Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire and provide free legal advice from a family law solicitor. Helpline 0800 731 0055, Monday to Friday between 10:00am and 7:00pm

Refuge provides online help and the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24hr) for women experiencing domestic abuse to talk confidentially and to find out what your options are.

Mens Advice line provides emotional support, practical advice and information to men experiencing domestic abuse by email, webchat and phone on 0808 801 0327.

National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline provides emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse by email, webchat and phone on 0800 999 5428.