Domestic abuse support

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is more than physical violence. It’s any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour - including sexual violence. It often happens between partners or ex-partners but can also happen between family members. The abuse is rarely a one-off, it's usually part of a repeated pattern of behaviour that is used to control or intimidate the other person.

Types of domestic abuse:

• Emotional abuse - constant criticism, name-calling, gaslighting, blaming or making you feel worthless.
• Coercive control - a pattern of behaviour that strips away your freedom, such as isolating you from friends and family or controlling your daily routine.
• Physical abuse - hitting, slapping, choking or any use of physical force.
• Sexual abuse - forcing or pressuring someone into sexual activity without their consent.
• Financial abuse - controlling your money, stopping you from working or taking your income.
• Digital abuse - stalking, harassment or control through technology or social media.

Signs to look out for:

Whether you’re concerned about your own relationship or someone else's, here are some common warning signs.

In you or a partner:

• You feel afraid of your partner or like you’re “walking on eggshells.”
• Your partner constantly criticises, belittles or blames you.
• You’re being isolated from friends, family or support networks.
• You're not allowed to have access to your own money or make decisions.
• You’ve been threatened, harmed or forced into doing things against your will.

In a friend or neighbour:

• They seem anxious, withdrawn or unusually quiet.
• You notice frequent or unexplained injuries.
• They often cancel plans or avoid contact.
• Their partner appears controlling, jealous or speaks for them.
• You hear shouting, threats or signs of violence through the walls.

What you can do:

If you’re experiencing abuse, please know that you are not alone. Support is available.

• Talk to someone you trust - a friend, a family member or a professional.
• Contact a support service for confidential advice and guidance. We’ve listed some below.
• In an emergency, always call 999.

If you’re concerned about someone else:

• Gently check in with them if it feels safe to do so.
• Avoid judgement - listen, believe them and offer support.
• Encourage them to reach out to a domestic abuse service.

There are ways we can help if you, or a loved one, is experiencing abuse. Please do get in touch - we're here to help.

Recognition for our domestic abuse services

We’re really proud to have been awarded the Leading Lights accreditation, by the national charity SafeLives, in recognition of our exceptional domestic abuse services.

Our services offer support to survivors of domestic abuse through safe, inclusive and empowering services across the country. Whether in our refuges or through our tailored community-based support, we’re committed to providing a person-centred service to meet the needs of all survivors.

The Leading Light accreditation is the gold standard for domestic abuse services in the UK. To achieve it, our teams underwent bespoke training and were assessed in multiple areas.

We’re really proud of our teams and the care, professionalism and heart they put into supporting survivors every day.

Gaining Leading Lights really reinforces our vision that everyone deserves a place to call home – one that is safe.

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that happens within relationships or families. This can have a huge impact on someone’s life, and we want everyone to get the support that they need. We have an incredible team who are trained to offer support to those who need it.