Domestic abuse is never OK and support is available
In an emergency always dial 999. The police will believe you and they will send help.
If you're in an emergency but can't speak, press ‘55’ on your phone and this will let the operator know that your call is genuine.
For information, advice and support in other languages visit additional languages - women's aid website
About domestic abuse
Domestic abuse doesn’t always mean physical violence and it isn’t just between people who are married or in a relationship. Sometimes, people may not even realise that what is happening to them is abusive or may not feel comfortable using the term ‘domestic abuse’ about someone they love.
It can include
- emotional abuse
- threats or intimidation
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse or other ways of controlling or coercing someone
It can happen between people
- who are married to each other
- in a civil partnership or living together
- between parents and their (adult) children or step-children
- between siblings and
- between people who were in a relationship but are now separated or divorced
Information for friends and family members
If you're worried a friend is experiencing domestic abuse, let them know you've noticed something is wrong. They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.
If someone confides in you that they are suffering domestic abuse:
- listen, and take care not to blame them
- acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiencing abuse
- give them time to talk, but do not push them to talk if they do not want to
- acknowledge they're in a frightening and difficult situation
- tell them nobody deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what the abuser has said
- support them as a friend, encourage them to express their feelings, and allow them to make their own decisions
- do not tell them to leave the relationship or leave home if they're not ready – that's their decision
- ask if they have suffered physical harm and if they have, offer to go with them to a hospital or GP
- help them report the assault to the police if they choose to
- be ready to provide information about organisations that offer help for people experiencing domestic abuse
For more information and advice about supporting a friend or family member, see I'm worried about someone else - Women’s Aid website.