What's domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is when someone you are close to treats you in a harmful or controlling way. It can happen between partners, ex-partners, or family members, and it affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and genders.

A child who sees or hears or experiences the effects of domestic abuse and is related to the person being abused or the perpetrator, is also to be regarded as a victim of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is not just physical violence, it can also include:

  • Emotional abuse – such as bullying, threats, or making you feel worthless
  • Controlling behaviour – like telling you who you can see or what you can do
  • Coercive behaviour – forcing you to do things you don’t want to do
  • Economic abuse – taking your money, stopping you from working, or controlling your finances
  • Sexual abuse – any unwanted sexual contact or pressure

Read more about the types of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can happen in any home. It is never your fault, and help is available.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it’s important to speak to someone you trust or contact a support service. You are not alone.

Help and support

If in immediate danger, please call the most appropriate emergency service on 999.

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse or have concern about one of our residents, please contact us. 

Contact us Read our Domestic Abuse policy

  • We treat all reports of domestic abuse seriously and in a non-judgemental way
  • A case handler will attempt to contact you within one working day of your report.
  • We’ll provide support, even if you don’t want to involve the Police. 
  • We’ll keep you informed and seek your consent before we take any action. The only exception is if there is risk of serious harm to the survivor or another person.
  • We can refer you to specialist organisations and help make your home secure so that you can stay safe.
  • If you’re reporting domestic abuse on behalf of someone and wish for your details to remain confidential, these would not be disclosed.

We’re here to listen and help where we can. While we’re not specialists in domestic abuse, we can connect you with organisations to give you the right advice and support for your situation.

Below, you’ll find the names and contact details of organisations that can offer expert help. You can choose to contact them directly if you feel ready.

Specialist agencies

Survivor stories

 

’He was always very controlling, telling me what to wear, who to talk to but it didn’t start off violent. He would turn up at my workplace with flowers, always FaceTime me and buy me clothes that he said suited me. Then I got pregnant and he started to say I shouldn’t work or go out…

I didn’t really have any friends or family nearby so I never argued. Then when our baby was one month old, he kicked me because I said I was thinking about going back to work – from then the abuse just got worse. I thought I would never be able to leave but Southern Housing helped me to keep myself and my son safe. Now instead of looking over my shoulder all the time, I’m looking forward to the future with my son.

- ‘S’ was in an abusive relationship with her partner for over 10 years.