Affected by abuse?
Domestic abuse affects at least 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in the UK. It is not uncommon, and you may personally be experiencing abuse, know someone who is, are living in a household where there is domestic abuse, or displaying abusive behaviours yourself. There is support and help available for you no matter what situation you are in.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Domestic abuse includes physical violence, emotional and psychological abuse, economic abuse, threats, control, coercion and sexual violence between people aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of age, sexuality, gender, or social or cultural group.
Asking for support and advice is often a very difficult thing to do if you are feeling isolated or are struggling. You may not even feel that you deserve to have support.
It is important to know that there are services out there that can provide advice at the right level for you, your children, family and friends.
Often the first step to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse is sharing your problem with another person whether that is through a helpline, a support group, professional, or friend or family member.
Experiencing domestic abuse?
If you recognise that you are the victim of abusive behaviours, or feel unsafe at home or in your relationship, you may be experiencing domestic abuse.
Supporting friends and family
Find out more about how you can both practically and emotionally support someone who is in an abusive relationship, or living with abuse.
Children and young people
Living in a household where there is domestic abuse can be scary and confusing. Find out how to stay safe, and who to ask for help.
Displaying abusive behaviours?
If you have concerns about your own behaviour or actions towards someone else, seeking advice and further information is the next step.
Support and advice
Reducing the Risk work closely with a number of Local Authorities to run their Domestic Abuse Champions network, provide training, advice and support, and to promote their domestic abuse helplines and support services on our website.
While we are unfortunately unable to directly support victims of domestic abuse without a referral through MARAC to our IDVA service, we highly recommend you reach out to a national or local service when you are ready. You can find out more about support on offer by visiting the dedicated pages for our partners below. If you are in a different locality, you can find your local service here.
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