Domestic abuse

Definition:

We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence.

This can be committed by a partner, ex-partner, carer or one or more family members, in an existing or previous domestic relationship.

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.

In an emergency contact the Police on 999. 

The decision making process faced by people who experience domestic abuse are complex. The decision to stay in an abusive relationship may be reasoned and logical. If you are still in a relationship or know someone who is; it may be useful to create a safety plan, see tips below.

1. Agree a code word with a trusted friend, neighbour, relative or professional so they know if you are in danger, distressed and need access to urgent help. Make sure they know the plan and are up dated with any changes.
2. If you or someone you know is thinking of leaving, work out a plan for leaving. Including who to call, where to go and how to get there.
3. Planning an escape route within the home; consider access to phones, access to the outside, access to doors that lock. Identify rooms which are low risk and room that are high risk.
4. Pack an emergency bag and hide this in a safe place which is easily accessible if needed quickly. Some useful things to pack are important documents such as birth certificates and passports, money, spare clothing, financial documents, copies of household bills, legal documents such as marriage certificates or divorce papers, medications and prescriptions.
5. Do children know the emergency plan, do they have a code word that will alert them to call emergency services, is there a plan for where the children can stay safely?