We’re raising awareness of different forms of abuse over 16 days. Why? Because we can’t address what we don’t talk about and we want everyone to feel safe and supported to seek help if they need it.
We want to start meaningful conversations and highlight the help available to put a stop to abuse, of all kinds, both now and in the future.
Today we’re focusing on the definition of domestic abuse (DA).
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can take on many forms, but it’s often defined as any ‘incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members’.
What are the signs
- Being controlled by someone else, often known as coercive control.
- Psychological and emotional abuse, undermining self-esteem or intimidating someone.
- Financial abuse, controlling another person financially.
- Sexual abuse.
- Technical abuse, constantly receiving calls or texts from another person or being harassed by them on social media.
These are just some of the signs of domestic abuse. It’s not definitive, and we know that it can take on many different forms. Over the next 16 days we’ll be talking about other types of domestic abuse to try and raise more awareness and signpost to services that are here to help.
How we can help
We’re here to help customers experiencing domestic abuse. We work with partners, including local police, to help people make their home a safe place to be. This could include fitting additional safety measures, or arranging a move to a new property, away from where the abuse was happening. We also support applications for protective measures like Non-Molestation Orders. Additionally, we work with Independent Domestic Violence Advisors to put an action plan in place to stop the cycle of abuse and put appropriate safeguarding measures in place.
If you’re a resident and would like to speak to our Community Safety team, call us on 0300 123 1 567. A member of the team will be in touch with you within 24 hours. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to speak to someone elsewhere, contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you’re in immediate danger, please call 999.
