Domestic Abuse
The term domestic abuse and violence is used to describe the physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse that takes place in an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour. It doesn’t matter if your relationship is with the same or opposite gender. It can involve family members, neighbours, or other people in the household.
Domestic abuse not only damages the women or man suffering abuse, both mentally and physically, but any children within the family group. Constantly witnessing domestic abuse can teach the children that it is a legitimate response to problems, or it can make them fearful and withdrawn from life.
Domestic abuse not only damages the women or man suffering abuse, both mentally and physically, but any children within the family group. Constantly witnessing domestic abuse can teach the children that it is a legitimate response to problems, or it can make them fearful and withdrawn from life.
If you are forced to change your behaviour because you are scared of your partner’s reaction, it is likely that you are being abused. ANYONE can experience domestic abuse. It can happen in all kinds of relationships, regardless of age, sex, race, sexuality, disability, lifestyle, financial situation and gender identity. It is rarely a one off event.
People experiencing domestic abuse are NOT to blame. The abuser is 100% responsible for their behaviour. Violence and abuse is a choice the abuser makes.
Please see the following support available within Waveney and seek help if you need it...
National 24hour Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 200 247, or call 999 in an emergency.
East Suffolk Domestic Abuse - Housing Support Team
ESDAST are committed to support anyone that presents, fleeing domestic abuse and any enquiries of this nature are prioritised as urgent so a member of the Housing Needs Team would make contact with the victim, or an agency calling on their behalf, on the same day and as soon a practicably possible.
Waveney Domestic Violence & Abuse Forum
The Waveney Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum which has been established for over 30 years and is a voluntary, non profit making organisation. Its aim is to reduce and prevent domestic abuse. It works locally, with over 40 statutory and voluntary agencies, to help people escape domestic violence and abuse, and to also support them in the community.
They offer a dedicated advice and guidance service to all who require it in order that victims of domestic abuse are informed directly, or by their serving professional agency about what can be offered to them in their locality and nationally.
Some examples of advice and guidance they offer are:
- Safety planning – how to be safe in your home and in public
- Support planning – what support is there and how to access it
- Risk assessing – what dangers you face in the here and now
- Court and legal processes – what to expect and how to prepare for court
- Signposting – finding the service that suits your need best
- Accessing Refuge or your housing options
Remember, always call 999 in an emergency.