Domestic Abuse: It’s not only physical violence.
- Women’s Aid Charity defines Domestic Abuse 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 a crime under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Financial or economic abuse
- Harassment and stalking
- Online or digital abuse
- UK Domestic Abuse & Support Charities:
All services below are confidential and free to access.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Refuge / National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)www.nationaldahelpline.org.ukFree, confidential support, information, and access to safe housing across the UK.
Women’s Aid www.womensaid.org.ukNational charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. Includes a Live Chat and local services directory to find support in your area.
Victim Support 0808 1689 111 (24/7 Supportline)www.victimsupport.org.uk
Provides emotional support, practical help, and information about your rights.
ManKind Initiative (for male victims) 01823 334244 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm)
www.mankind.org.uk Confidential helpline and advice for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Respect Helpline (for people worried about their own behaviour) 0808 802 4040
www.respect.uk.net Support for those who want to stop being abusive or controlling in relationships.
Hestia www.hestia.org/domestic-abuse
Provides refuges, outreach, and support for those experiencing domestic abuse (mainly London and South East).
Solace Women’s Aid 0808 802 5565 www.solacewomensaid.org
Offers support, safe housing, and counselling for women and children in London.
National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) www.ncdv.org.uk
Provides free, fast emergency injunctions for anyone needing immediate legal protection, regardless of income.
Refuge Tech Safety www.refugetechsafety.org
Resources and help for people experiencing technology-facilitated abuse, stalking, or monitoring.
