Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. Domestic abuse is never the fault of the person experiencing it. You can find links to some support services below.
Domestic Abuse isn’t always physical. Domestic abuse includes:
- Psychological (name calling/threats/manipulation/blaming you)
- Economic (controlling your access to money)
- Sexual
- Coercive control (exerting power and control over you)
- Tech abuse (sending abusive texts, demanding access to your devices, sharing images of you online)
Domestic abuse can happen to both men and women.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is, unfortunately, very common.
National Support
The Government offers advice on how to get help here >>>
Here you will find useful info, such as:
- How to recognise domestic abuse
- Getting help and support
- How to check if someone has an abusive past
- How to get a court order to you or your child
- Support someone you know
- Find additional information and support
- Get help if you think you might be an abuser
- How to call the Police when you can’t speak
Other Support Services:
Refuge (for women and children against domestic violence)
Freephone, 24 hours 0808 2000 247
Respect -The Men’s Advice Line (Confidential helpline specifically for male victims) Freephone, Mon–Fri 10am-5pm 0808 801 0327
Bright Sky offers a website and mobile app for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or is worried about someone else who may be experiencing abuse.
Local Support
BRISTOL Next Link Plus Service call 0117 925 0680
DORSET Domestic Abuse support call 0800 032 5204
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Domestic Abuse Support Service call 01452 726 570
SWINDON Domestic Abuse Support Service call 01793 610610
WILTSHIRE call FEAR FREE 9am to 5pm 01225 775276
WEST BERKSHIRE Domestic Abuse Service call 0808 801 0882
In an emergency always call 999
