Domestic Abuse

Supporting and encouraging victims of domestic abuse towards becoming survivors. One to one support at home or a mutually agreed safe place.

What is Domestic Abuse/Violence

The government defines domestic violence as: 'any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.'

Domestic abuse can include:

• making you feel scared and intimidated,
• physical abuse such as hitting or kicking,
• emotional abuse such as shouting, name calling and threats, and
• sexual assault including having sex with you when you don't want to have sex.

Criminal offences include:

• assault,
• threat to kill,
• wounding,
• attempting to choke,
• harassment,
• putting you in fear of violence, and
• rape and sexual assault.

Even if the domestic abuse you have experienced is not illegal, you can still get help and support. In many cases things get worse over a period of time, so trust your instincts and get help before you (and your children) are put in danger.

Warning signs of possible domestic abuse from someone you know could include:

• controlling behaviour,
• a history of domestic violence,
• putting you down and criticising you,
• harassing you and checking up on you, including going through your phone or following you,
• using a weapon such as a knife to frighten or intimidate,
• breaking, smashing or punching things,
• threatening to harm themselves or commit suicide, and
• threatening to take the children away.

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