Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is about power and control and can take many forms.

• Emotional: If you are constantly ridiculed, criticised or threatened - "if you leave me, I will tell the police you are abusing the kids"
• Financial: If your money is taken or controlled, or you are given "an allowance" or someone controls all the financial matters and makes all the financial decisions
• Isolation: If you are told who you can or can't see or talk to, or told when you can and can't go out
• Sexual: When you are forced or coerced into sexual acts, or watching or taking part in sexual activity that you do not want to.
• Physical: Including when you are hit, slapped, kicked or attacked.

Domestic abuse occurs between adults 16 and over who are (or have been) intimate partners or family members.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse and you would like to speak to the police, you can do so over the telephone (by dialling 101) or in person at a police station. However, if contacting the police online is the safest way for you to get in touch, you can complete a secure online reporting form.

If you feel in immediate danger as a result of domestic abuse, dial 999 straight away and try to wait in a safe place for the police to arrive.