Domestic Abuse Support Page
Always dial 999 in an emergency
If you can't speak because someone is there,
dial "55"
and follow instructions.
Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is more than a 'regular' argument between a 'normal' couple. All couples have their up's and downs, this does not mean that the relationship is abusive.
Abusive relationships have their own pattern of poor behaviours which determine that the relationship is unhealthy and abusive.
Abuse is a repeated pattern of negative behaviour and is complex because each situation is unique.
There are many determining factors that deem a relationship as abusive.
Which of these behaviours do you consider to be abusive?
THREATENING behaviours include:
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punching walls
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breaking things
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making angry gestures
Punching walls
SEXUAL abuse includes:
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pressuring you to have sex
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using force
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degrading your sexuality
Pressuring you to have sex when you don't want to
VERBAL ABUSE
includes:
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name calling
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shouting
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mocking
Name
calling
PHYSICAL violence includes:
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pushing
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shoving
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hitting
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slapping
Pushing and shoving you
FINANCIAL abuse includes:
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taking your money or using credit cards without asking
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demanding your wages and passwords
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expecting you to pay their bills
Taking money without your permission
HARASSMENT includes:
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opening mail
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following you
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checking your phone
Opening your mail
Each situation and relationship is unique, if you are concerned that you are a victim or perpetrator of domestic abuse, please seek professional help.
Survivors Story - Samantha Billingham
I didn't know I was a victim until it was too late and when I sat filling out the Women's Aid questionnaire, tears streamed down my face as at that moment I learned that I had been a victim of domestic abuse for the last 3 years of my life. I had never heard of the term domestic abuse before so I learnt the hard way. I was so embarrassed and ashamed to speak out to anyone about what I was going through.
How best to support victims
- Samantha Billingham - SODA -
For anyone wanting to support victims of domestic abuse, it is important to understand that they have been brainwashed, controlled and manipulated by their perpetrator into believing that no one will believe them or help them when they reach out and ask for support.
A victim of domestic abuse will have trust issues because the person who they love - and who they think loves them - has made them feel insecure, inferior and isolated so it will take time for the victim to build up a trusting relationship with anyone wanting to support them.
Support isn't a one size fits all and each victim will need individual and bespoke support packages because even though victims have one thing in common, domestic abuse, their support needs will be as individual and as unique as they are.
It is important not to tell a victim of domestic abuse what to do - they get enough of that from their perpetrator. Never tell a victim of domestic abuse to leave and never tell them that the abuse was their fault.
Positive Inspiration
What is Clare's Law?
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Clare Woods lived in Greater Manchester and was a mum of one.
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Clare was only 36 years of age when she was murdered by her boyfriend George Appleton.
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He had a history of violence against women.
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Her horrific murder took place in 2009.
Support Helplines UK
Women - Victims of Domestic Abuse
Men - Victims of Domestic Abuse
LGBT - Victims & Survivors of Domestic Abuse
Stalking - support for
victims & perpetrators
Stalking - support for
victims & survivors
Forced Marriage & Harmful Practice
support for all regardless of age, gender, disability, nationality, sexual orientation or background.
Older people
the only UK registered charity to recognise abuse amongst older people
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