X
Exit the site

Information & Support

decor borderline decor

I’m not sure what domestic abuse is, can you describe it to me?


Recognising domestic abuse.

Although every situation is unique, there are common factors that link the experience of an abusive relationship. Acknowledging these factors is an important step in preventing and stopping the abuse. This list can help you to recognise if you, or someone you know, are in an abusive relationship.

They Include:

  • Destructive criticism and verbal abuse: shouting; mocking; accusing; name calling; verbally threatening.
  • Pressure tactics: sulking; threatening to withhold money, disconnecting the phone and internet, taking away or destroying your mobile, tablet or laptop, taking the car away, taking the children away; threatening to report you to the police, social services or the mental health team unless you comply with his demands; threatening or attempting self-harm and suicide; withholding or pressuring you to use drugs or other substances; lying to your friends and family about you; telling you that you have no choice in any decisions.
  • Disrespect: persistently putting you down in front of other people; not listening or responding when you talk; interrupting your telephone calls; taking money from your purse without asking; refusing to help with childcare or housework.
  • Breaking trust: lying to you; withholding information from you; being jealous; having other relationships; breaking promises and shared agreements.
  • Isolation: monitoring or blocking your phone calls, e-mails and social media accounts, telling you where you can and cannot go; preventing you from seeing friends and relatives; shutting you in the house.
  • Harassment: following you; checking up on you; not allowing you any privacy (for example, opening your mail, going through your laptop, tablet or mobile), repeatedly checking to see who has phoned you; embarrassing you in public; accompanying you everywhere you go.
  • Threats: making angry gestures; using physical size to intimidate; shouting you down; destroying your possessions; breaking things; punching walls; wielding a knife or a gun; threatening to kill or harm you and the children; threatening to kill or harm family pets; threats of suicide.
  • Sexual violence: using force, threats or intimidation to make you perform sexual acts; having sex with you when you don’t want it; forcing you to look at pornographic material; constant pressure and harassment into having sex when you don’t want to, forcing you to have sex with other people; any degrading treatment related to your sexuality or to whether you are lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual.
  • Physical violence: punching; slapping; hitting; biting; pinching; kicking; pulling hair out; pushing; shoving; burning; strangling, pinning you down, holding you by the neck, restraining you.
  • Denial: saying the abuse doesn’t happen; saying you caused the abuse; saying you wind him up; saying he can’t control his anger; being publicly gentle and patient; crying and begging for forgiveness; saying it will never happen again.

How do I get help?

For general help and advice call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on:
0808 2000 247

(Go to www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk or click here >DA helpline)

Mankind helpline for male and LGBTQ+ victims of domestic abuse:
01823 334244
(Go to mankind.org.uk or click here >Mankind)

Rise LBGTQ+ helpline:
01273 622828

FFT Friends Family Travellers help:
01273 234 777
(Go to www.gypsy-traveller.org or click here: >gypsy-traveller)

In an emergency call 999


I think I know someone in a domestic abuse situation. What can I do to help that individual and what precautions should I take to protect them?

Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on '0808 2000 247'. They will give you advice and suggestions of how to support someone who is being subjected to abuse. If you think someone is in immediate danger, call '999' and ask for Police assistance

Do I need a refuge?

Moving to a refuge is not for everyone, it really depends on whether you feel safe in your own home. To get some advice on whether a refuge is the right step for you, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. They will find you a refuge space if you decide this is what you want to do. Remember the choice is yours.


Can I stay at an I Choose Freedom refuge?

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) allocate refuge spaces. Please call them if you think you may need a refuge space. If we have a space available at that time they will be aware of it.

decor border