Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

What is domestic abuse?

• Domestic abuse is the emotional, financial, physical, psychological or sexual abuse of someone by a person they know. This could be a partner, ex-partner, friend or family member.
• Domestic abuse is about someone trying to have power and control over you and everything you do. Abusers will do anything to keep that control. Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off event and physical violence often escalates in frequency and severity over time.
• Domestic abuse is usually perpetrated against women by men they know. However, men are sometimes abused by their women partners, and parents are sometimes abused by their children. Domestic abuse affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds and communities.

Where to find help

There are many sources of help and advice available to you along with many local and national support services. If you would like advice, information, somewhere safe to stay, or simply want someone to listen

call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on FREEPHONE 0808 2000 247

Or contact the Domestic Violence Co-ordinator on 01709 334567

IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS DIAL 999

Useful tips

If you want to leave home and have time to plan ahead use the following advice:

• Try to save money for taxi or bus fares
• Keep together the things you might need; eg keys, benefit books, medical and national insurance cards, passports, birth and marriage certificates, address book
• Take your children with you, if you can
• Take a few clothes, children's favourite things, and any essential medicines
• Try to work out the safest time to leave - if you need any help with safety planning, you could talk to one of the support services

However, in reality many women leave with nothing and sort out the details once they are safe.

The safety of you and your children is most important