Domestic violence and coercive control is a silent pandemic.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse you should contact the police and speak to a family lawyer to obtain a protective order.
Domestic violence or abuse includes all kinds of physical, psychological, sexual, financial and emotional abuse between people who are, or were, in a relationship with each other or are family members over the age of 16.
There is no legal definition of domestic abuse, however, the domestic abuse bill will create a statutory definition.
Coercive control is an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or abuse. It is used to harm, punish or frighten the victim.
There are several free 24 hour helplines to contact in an emergency such as Refuge 0808 2000 247 or Flows 0203 745 7707.
Contact the national domestic abuse helpline
National charity to keep women and children safe
Practical steps to protect yourself:
1. Ensure a fully charged mobile phone is at hand in case of emergencies
2. Take note of both the emergency and local police station telephone numbers (the local police can now be contacted by dialling 101) and the numbers of any relevant organisation, such as social services
3. Memorise telephone numbers for trusted friends and relatives
4. Agree a code word to use when calling others to identify that the police should be alerted
5. Ask trusted friends or relatives to check on you
6. Keep your car fuelled and ready to go with a spare key at hand
7. Have a bag of essential items at a place of safety containing cash, clothing, important documents and telephone numbers read
Phone: 0808 2000 247
Free 24-hour national helpline run by Women’s Aid and Refuge.
Phone: 0808 2000 247
Specialises in assistance to obtain emergency injunctions from being further abused.
Phone: 0800 195 8699
Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.
Phone: 0808 801 0327
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people.
Phone: 0800 999 5428
Specialises in assistance to get emergency injunctions from being further abused.
Phone: 0800 970 2070
Guidance on the law, how to report stalking, gathering evidence, staying safe and reducing the risk.
Phone: 0808 802 0300
Free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family and friends.
Phone: 0808 16 89 111
Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors, is a legal support service, designed to help protect women against domestic abuse.
Phone: 0203 745 7707
(for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
Phone: 0800 999 5428
Controlling you, threatening you, tracking you, intimidating you, are some examples.
Yes, it is a form of emotional abuse.
Contact the Police, a family lawyer or a national domestic abuse helpline.
Manipulation, control, abuse and exploitation.
Flee from danger, Contact the Police, call a family lawyer or a national domestic abuse helpline
We are here to support you, and to put your mind at ease, by explaining your options to you in plain English. Contact us to arrange an informative initial consultation.
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