Safer Harlow Partnership - Keep Safe

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence
Too often the crime of domestic violence is hidden away, but we are determined to bring it out into the open and address its root causes.

What is meant by 'domestic violence'?
Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

It can include:

Verbal threats

Harassment

Physical Violence

Financial contorl

Humiliation

Rape or sexual aggressive behaviour

Psychological abuse

Excessive possessiveness

Forced marrage

Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident. More usually it's a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their victim.

Domestic violence occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography. Government figures show, however, that it consists mainly of violence by men against women.

Victims of domestic violence suffer on many levels - health, housing, education - and lose the freedom to live their lives how they want, and without fear. We aim to support victims of domestic violence with a range of new measures.

If a partner, ex-partner or family member is abusing you, there are three main things that you can do:

1) Recognise it is happening to you

2) See that it is not your fault

3) Get help and support

Domestic Violence is all too often un-reported and people suffer in silence. How to get help?

Telling someone about the abuse you are experiencing will be difficult. You may have practical concerns, such as where you will live if you want to move out of your home, or what will happen to your children. But support is available. You are not alone. People and organisations are there to help you break the cycle of abuse.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, or a concerned friend or relative, you can speak with someone in confidence for advice and support.

The numbers below are just the start also look at the websites links at the side of this page

Womans's Aid Harlow and Broxbourne	01279 83 66 11
National Domestic Violence Helpline	0808 200 02 47
Victim Support	0845 456 59 95
M.A.L.E (men's advise line and enquiries)	0808 801 03 27
Broken Rainbow (same sex abuse support)	0845 260 44 60
Councelling and Life Management Centre	01279 41 13 30
Childline	0800 1111
Harlow Police Non-emergency	0300 333 4444
In an emergency call the Police on	999