What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?
Advice and Information

The information in this article is taken from Refuge, Women’s Aid and Woman’s Trust.
Women’s Aid defines domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. In most cases, it is by a partner or ex-partner but could also be by a family member or carer. It is very common.
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.
Domestic abuse is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it.
Domestic abuse is a crime.
Local support is also available:
National domestic abuse helpline: 08200 247
Support is available , you are not alone.