Domestic Abuse
If you are in immediate danger please call 999. If you are unable to speak press 55 once you are connected to a call handler.
If you are experiencing abuse, you are not alone, and help is available.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse, also known as domestic violence, is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour between people in an intimate or family relationship. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background.
Domestic abuse is not always physical. It often involves a range of behaviours used by one person to gain power and control over another.
Types of Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can take many forms, including:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves any act intended to cause harm to the body. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, or using weapons.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
This type of abuse focuses on undermining a person’s confidence and self-worth. It may include:
• Constant criticism or humiliation
• Intimidation or threats
• Isolating someone from friends or family
• Gaslighting (making someone doubt their own reality)
Coercive and Controlling Behaviour
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour designed to make someone dependent by isolating them, exploiting them, and regulating their everyday activities. It may involve:
• Monitoring movements or communications
• Controlling what someone wears or who they see
• Restricting access to money or resources
Financial Abuse
This occurs when someone controls a person’s access to money or financial resources, limiting their independence. Examples include:
• Preventing someone from working
• Taking their income or benefits
• Forcing debt in their name
Sexual Abuse
This includes any unwanted sexual activity or pressure to engage in sexual acts without consent, even within a relationship.
Digital or Online Abuse
Abuse can also take place through technology, including:
• Harassment via messaging or social media
• Tracking devices or monitoring online activity
• Sharing private images without consent
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. It occurs in relationships of all kinds, including:
• Married couples
• Cohabiting partners
• Ex-partners
• Family members
While women are disproportionately affected, men and people in same-sex relationships can also experience abuse. It is important that everyone speaks up against their perpetrators.
Getting Help and Support
No one deserves to live in fear. Support is available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Reaching out can be the first step towards safety and recovery.
If you or someone you know is at risk:
• Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or professional
• Contact a local support service or helpline
• In an emergency, call the police
Arches housing has a ZERO TOLERANCE on domestic abuse of any kind.