Domestic abuse

How to report domestic abuse

If what you are experiencing is particularly serious go into your local police station for help. If you or your family are in immediate danger don't be afraid to call the police on 999.

Alternatively, you can contact the freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247

The links in the pink box on the right take you to council pages providing information about local resources.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is an unacceptable crime which affects people from all social and economic backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. It includes any action involving abuse between adult family members (including current and former partners). The abuse occurs when a person causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause emotional, sexual or physical harm to an intimate partner or other family member.

A pattern of coercive behaviour can form by an individual to establish and maintain power and control over another (as relationship defined above). This type of behaviour takes many forms, including physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, isolation and the selective destruction of property and pets.

It is also rarely a one-off event. It can escalate in frequency and severity over time. The majority of victims are women but domestic violence happens to men as well.

More information about domestic abuse and how to seek help can be found by visiting the pages in the menu to the left, or by downloading our Domestic Abuse Information Handbook (PDF, 1Mb).