Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:

• coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
• economic abuse
• online abuse
• threats and intimidation
• emotional abuse
• sexual abuse

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour on the part of the abuser designed to control his partner. It can happen at any point in a relationship, including after you have split up. Anyone forced to change their behaviour because they are frightened of their partner or ex-partner’s reaction is experiencing abuse.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. However, statistics show most domestic abuse is carried out by men and experienced by women but there are many cases where women are the aggressor. Domestic abuse is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it, it is a crime.

If you are suffering or are aware of someone that is a victim of abuse, please do not suffer in silence. Contact the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge
0808 200 0247

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Visit the helpline to access further information, a contact form and the live chat service. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Your-rights-and-options

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

Additional support

Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk