About Domestic Abuse
The UK Government’s definition of domestic abuse is “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, economic, emotional”
Domestic abuse is very common – research shows that it will affect 1 in 4 women in their lifetime, regardless of age, social class, race, disability or lifestyle.
Domestic abuse refers to a range of behaviours by a partner (male or female), family member or carer and can include emotional, physical, psychological, sexual and financial abuse.
Remember – It is not your fault. You are not alone. If any of these things are happening to you and you would like support we will do all we can to help you.
Are you feeling that:
You are worthless
There is no choice but to put up with things
As long as the children are OK it’s worth staying
The children may be taken into care if you ask for help
You couldn’t financially support yourself if you left
You may be experiencing:
Emotional – constant criticism, being shouted at
Physical – being slapped, kicked, bitten, hit, punched
Psychological – prevented from seeing family and friends, stopped from going out to work, threatened with violence or told you may lose your children if you leave.
Sexual – made to have sex, sexual degradation
Financial – kept short of money, made to apply for loans in your name
Please get in touch so that we can help you
The helpline is open between the hours of 9am – 5pm, Monday - Friday.