The UK government\u2019s definition of domestic violence is \u2018any 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, financial, emotional.\u2019<\/p>\n
Domestic abuse can take different forms, including:<\/p>\n
If you need to speak to someone, we’re available every day, night and day. Call our free and 24 hour Supportline now on 08 08 16 89 111<\/a> or start a live chat<\/a> any time.<\/p>\n Find out the different ways you can get confidential and free support now<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read our leaflet Surviving Domestic Abuse (PDF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Physical abuse (violence) can include pushing, hitting, punching, kicking, choking and using weapons.<\/p>\n Verbal abuse is the use of harsh or insulting language directed at a person. You might be called names or constantly put down by your partner.<\/p>\n Controlling and coercive behaviour are forms of emotional abuse. They often go together, but are slightly different.<\/p>\n Examples of these behaviours include: withholding money, blackmailing, constantly criticising someone, checking up on or monitoring someone, isolating someone from friends and family, and playing mind games such as gas lighting. These behaviours make it very difficult for the person to leave the relationship.<\/p>\n Controlling or coercive behaviour is now a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015.<\/p>\n Psychological or mental abuse is when someone is subjected or exposed to a situation that can result in psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.<\/p>\n Sexual abuse is when you\u2019re forced or pressured to have sex without your consent (rape<\/a>), unwanted sexual activity, touching, groping or being made to watch pornography.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Most people will experience some difficulties in their relationships. But to know whether you’re being abused in a relationship, you should look at how the behaviour of your partner or family member makes you feel. If you feel intimidated, controlled or unable to speak out, that\u2019s abuse.<\/p>\n Here are some signs you might be in a relationship and being abused \u2014 you can read more in our guide to recognising the signs of domestic abuse<\/a>.<\/p>\n Living in a home where abuse is happening can have a serious impact on a child\u2019s wellbeing.<\/p>\n Some of the indicators of children witnessing or experiencing domestic violence can include:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re worried a child is being abused, you can\u00a0contact Victim Support for help<\/a>. We can provide confidential support and information to parents, carers and teachers, as well as supporting children through our service for young people<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Domestic abuse can have a significant impact on your emotional wellbeing, as well as sometimes affecting other relationships and your ability to live your life as you\u2019d want to.<\/p>\n Everyone reacts differently but some of the effects of domestic abuse include:<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to remember all of these reactions are normal and this is not your fault. Only your abuser is to blame for their behaviour.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Whether you decide to report domestic abuse to the police is completely up to you.<\/p>\n The police are trained to respond effectively to survivors of domestic abuse. If you\u2019re not sure you want to report the crime, you can talk to a victims\u2019 organisation like Victim Support. We can explain the options available to you and help you come up with a safety plan.<\/p>\n If you decide not to report the abuse, you can still\u00a0get confidential support.<\/a><\/p>\n Find out more about the\u00a0legal orders<\/a>\u00a0that protect survivors of domestic abuse.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The rising cost of living is affecting millions across the UK. It\u2019s a worrying time for many people. And if you\u2019re living with abuse or violence, it can feel like a challenging situation.<\/p>\n You may be in the position where you can\u2019t afford to leave the abuser. You may worry about financial hardship or homelessness if you were to leave.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in this situation and feel stuck, please know you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n We have further information<\/a>\u00a0that\u00a0explains what financial support may be available to you and how we – and other services – can support you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> If you\u2019re in a relationship and being abused, or have experienced domestic abuse in the past, we can help you move forward with free and confidential support. We\u2019ll help you think through your options and come up with a plan to put safeguards and support in place for you and your family.<\/p>\n You can contact us at any time, no matter how long ago the abuse took place. We don\u2019t just help people who\u2019ve recently experienced domestic abuse \u2014 we\u2019re here to support you, weeks, months or years afterwards.<\/p>\n We believe all survivors of domestic abuse should be able to get the support they need to feel safe and move on from the impact of abuse.<\/p>\n We have different services in different parts of the country. All of our services are confidential, free and available to anyone who’s experienced domestic violence. We can help, regardless of whether you\u2019ve told the police or anyone else about the abuse.<\/p>\n Whatever you decide, we\u2019ll be here to support you throughout your journey. Find out how to contact us for help<\/a>.<\/p>\n Find out about our confidentiality policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> When you report a crime to the police, they should automatically ask if you\u2019d like help from an organisation like Victim Support. But anyone affected by crime can contact us directly \u2013 you don\u2019t need to talk to the police to get our help.<\/p>\n You can get in touch by:<\/p>\n You can also create a free account on\u00a0My Support Space<\/a> \u2013 an online resource with interactive guides (including a number on domestic abuse) to help you manage the impact crime has had on you.<\/p>\n If English is not your first language and you\u2019d like support, call our Supportline and let us know which language you speak. We\u2019ll call you back with an interpreter as soon as possible. We also welcome calls via\u00a0Relay UK<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0SignLive (BSL)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Families and friends affected by crime can also contact us for support and information. If you\u2019re a child or young person under 18 and are looking for support, visit our\u00a0children and young people website<\/a>\u00a0for information and tips.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> My Support Space is a secure, confidential and free online resource from Victim Support. It contains interactive self-support guides you can work through in your own time, and when it’s safe and convenient for you to do so.<\/p>\n There are interactive guides for both victims of domestic abuse and people who may be supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse. You can download a leaflet<\/a> to tell you more or sign up for your free account<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Further support and information:<\/p>\n Downloads:<\/p>\n<\/i><\/i><\/span>Types of domestic abuse<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
Physical abuse<\/h3>\n
Verbal abuse<\/h3>\n
Coercive and controlling behaviour<\/h3>\n
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Psychological abuse<\/h3>\n
Sexual abuse<\/h3>\n
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Signs of domestic abuse<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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<\/i><\/i><\/span>Indicators of domestic violence in children<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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<\/i><\/i><\/span>The impact of domestic abuse<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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<\/i><\/i><\/span>Reporting domestic abuse<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Domestic abuse and the rising cost of living<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>How we can help<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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<\/i><\/i><\/span>Get in touch<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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<\/i><\/i><\/span>Domestic abuse support on My Support Space<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>More help with domestic abuse<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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