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Domestic Violence
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Domestic violence may be happening in your home or affecting someone close to you, it may even be happening in your own relationship(s).
You may feel humiliated, frightened, ashamed, alone and confused – but you are not to blame.
You have the right to live your life free from fear and violence.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is any physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse that happens between people who are, or who have been, in an intimate relationship.
So it’s not just about physical violence then?
No! Sarah’s husband constantly called her names and criticised her.
Kelly’s boyfriend did not like her seeing or going out with her friends.
Shanaz was never given any money, her husband made all the financial decisions.
Anna’s partner put pressure on her to have sex before she was ready.
So does domestic violence just happen to women?
No! Domestic violence is one of the most common violent crimes in the UK and anybody can be a victim of domestic violence regardless of their age, race, culture, sexuality, disability, nationality, religion, gender or class.
However, most people who are victims of domestic violence are women. Research shows that one in three women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives and that young women experience more violence than anybody else.
Where can I go for help?
If you are a girl or woman who is worried about domestic violence in your own relationship, Women’s Aid Advice Centre have a free 24 hour domestic violence helpline 0808 2000 247. The Police, Victim Support, Housing departments, Social Services or solicitors are some of the other agencies who can help you. If you are a boy or man who is worried about domestic violence in your own relationship, you can approach all of the services above apart from the Women’s Aid Advice Line.
If you are a child who is worried about domestic violence in your family phone ChildLine – free 24 hour helpline 0800 1111
You may feel humiliated, frightened, ashamed, alone and confused – but you are not to blame.
You have the right to live your life free from fear and violence.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is any physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse that happens between people who are, or who have been, in an intimate relationship.
So it’s not just about physical violence then?
No! Sarah’s husband constantly called her names and criticised her.
Kelly’s boyfriend did not like her seeing or going out with her friends.
Shanaz was never given any money, her husband made all the financial decisions.
Anna’s partner put pressure on her to have sex before she was ready.
So does domestic violence just happen to women?
No! Domestic violence is one of the most common violent crimes in the UK and anybody can be a victim of domestic violence regardless of their age, race, culture, sexuality, disability, nationality, religion, gender or class.
However, most people who are victims of domestic violence are women. Research shows that one in three women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives and that young women experience more violence than anybody else.
Where can I go for help?
If you are a girl or woman who is worried about domestic violence in your own relationship, Women’s Aid Advice Centre have a free 24 hour domestic violence helpline 0808 2000 247. The Police, Victim Support, Housing departments, Social Services or solicitors are some of the other agencies who can help you. If you are a boy or man who is worried about domestic violence in your own relationship, you can approach all of the services above apart from the Women’s Aid Advice Line.
If you are a child who is worried about domestic violence in your family phone ChildLine – free 24 hour helpline 0800 1111
Useful links:
Respect Not Fear - Nottinghamshire website all about violence in teenage relationships
