Domestic abuse
What is Domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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.
This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
Domestic abuse can be very isolating and often goes unreported because the victim feels trapped and alone.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone over 16. It can happen to anyone of any gender, religion, race or sexuality. It can happen in short or long-term relationships, with ex-partners or family members.
Staying safe
If you think you are experiencing any type of abuse, it is important to remember that it is not your fault and that there is support available.
You can speak to your teacher, GP, work colleague or any other trusted professional. Speaking to someone about what you are going through can help you to feel less alone and can support you in understanding your options.
A personal safety plan is a way of helping you to protect yourself and your children, by planning in advance for the possibility of future violence and abuse. It also helps you to think about how you can increase your safety either within the relationship, or if you decide to leave. Women's Aid provides information about domestic abuse and keeping safe in their survivors handbook.
Help and information
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse and you would like to speak to the police, you can do so over the phone (by dialling 101), in person at a police station or you can report it online. If you feel in immediate danger, dial 999 straight away and try to wait in a safe place for the police to arrive.
If you don't feel confident speaking to the police there are lots of other agencies that can support you. A detailed list of support organisations specialising in domestic abuse is provided below:In an emergency always dial 999.
Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service
All domestic violence services in Swindon.
Website: swadomesticabuse.org
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01793 610610 (24 hours)
FearLess
Support Service for victims of domestic abuse in Wiltshire and victims of sexual violence in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Website: www.fear-less.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01225 775276
Mankind
Help for Male Victims.
Website: mankind.org.uk
Telephone: 01823 334244
Refuge
For women and children. Against domestic violence.
Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 2000 247
The Silver Line
Helpline for older people suffering abuse.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0800 4 70 80 90
Escaping Victimhood
Escaping Victimhood provides residential workshop programmes for victims of serious crime, who are suffering the traumatic affects, sometime after the incident and wish to have a more positive future.
Telephone: 07715209415
Further support
An independent voice that speaks on behalf of victims and survivors.
Website: domesticabusecommissioner.uk
Email: [email protected]
A selection of downloadable translated materials from the Home Office Domestic Abuse Campaign
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as “Clare's Law” enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner's or ex-partner's previous abusive or violent offending.
Video highlighting abuse in older people.
Video about emotional abuse.
