There are various types of domestic abuse which includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It also encompasses newly emerging abuses which are based online on social media, such as revenge porn. Additionally, there’s forced marriage, honour-based violence, and stalking.
All are recognised forms of abuse which are classed as criminal offences. They can be experienced by everyone, regardless of cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc. They’re not limited to an immediate partner, either, but can occur between family members.
If you are in an abusive relationship, have experienced an abusive relationship, or identify abusive behaviours within your household, there are a number of agencies that can support you.
You can also contact us for any advice or support that you need.
We will listen to you, we can help secure your property, and we can liaise with other agencies that can help you.
You are not alone.
Remember: if there is an immediate emergency and you, or anyone else, are in danger please call 999.
- Physical abuse includes hitting, kicking, punching and biting another person.
- Emotional abuse includes bullying, name-calling and belittling someone to make them feel insecure about themselves.
- Sexual abuse is forcing someone else to take part in a sexual activity when they do not want to take part, or exploiting someone to have sex with others.
- Financial abuse is withholding money, taking all of the money that comes into the home, or even preventing someone from gaining employment.
- Revenge porn is posting an intimate photo or video online of an ex-partner in order to humiliate them.
- Coercive control is when someone repeatedly behaves in a way which makes you feel controlled, dependent, isolated, or scared. This could involve gaslighting behaviours, calling someone worthless, etc.
- Controlling behaviour could include limiting contact with family and friends, controlling what a person wears, or not allowing them to have a phone.
- Forced marriage is where one or both spouses do not give consent to a marriage arranged by their immediate family. This is different to an arranged marriage where consent has been provided.
- Honour based violence happens when a person could possibly be gay, disagree to a forced marriage, or date someone from a different religion to their own. These may viewed as dishonourable behaviour which could lead to violent actions being taken.
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the cutting of the female genitalia. This has no health benefits, and causes serious health issues for females.
- Stalking and harassment is constantly following you, phoning you, and turning up in the same places as you. It can include sitting in their car outside your home, or constant attempted contact online through social media.
This list is not exhaustive and different types of abuse may occur at the same time. (For example, physical abuse can be accompanied by emotional and coercive control, etc.)
Provide advice, support, and refuge accommodation for black women and women of colour, and their children who are experiencing domestic abuse. This also includes forced marriage and honour related crime.
Contact them on 029 2064 4633 or call their 24hr helpline on 0800 731 8147
Available for free download if safe to do so, direct to your mobile.
Supporting heterosexual, gay, bisexual and trans men who are experiencing domestic abuse from a partner.
They can be contacted on 0808 801 0321 Monday: 10am – 4pm / Tuesday: 10am – 4pm / Wednesday: 10am – 1pm. Alternatively, you can email them here.
Their helpline is open 24/7 and if you, a family member, a friend, or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence and you are concerned, you can contact them on 0808 80 10 800, text them on 07860 077333, or email them.
Supporting male survivors on 0800 8010327 and is open Monday-Friday 9am-8pm. Alternatively, you can email them.
Where it is dangerous to speak to a member of the emergency services, dial 999 on your mobile handset, press 55, and make yourself heard by coughing or tapping the handset.
They work with perpetrators, male victims, and young people who use violence and abuse in their close relationships. Call 08088 024040.
For women experiencing domestic abuse.
Call their 24/7 support line on 029 2046 0566, or email them here.