Support for victims of domestic violence and abuse

Find out where to get help if you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.

Report domestic abuse to the police

About domestic abuse 

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of behaviour that is:

  • controlling
  • coercive
  • threatening
  • degrading 
  • violent 

In most cases domestic abuse is caused by a partner or ex-partner. It can also be caused by family members or carers.

Domestic abuse is widespread. It is important to know that domestic abuse can be experienced by adults and children of all genders. 

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:

  • coercive control - a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence
  • psychological and/or emotional abuse
  • physical or sexual violence and abuse
  • economic abuse
  • harassment and stalking
  • online or digital abuse 

Children affected by domestic abuse are also victims whether they were present during violent incidents or not.

Find more information about domestic abuse definitions in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Controlling behaviour

Controlling behaviour when an abuser uses a range of behaviours and tactics to make a person subordinate and/or dependent.

It includes:

  • keeping them apart from friends, help and support
  • exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain
  • taking advantage of their money and things they have - stopping their independence, resistance and escape
  • controlling their everyday behaviour

Coercive behaviour

Coercive behaviour is defined as an act or a pattern of acts used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

It includes:

  • assault
  • threats
  • humiliation
  • intimidation

Economic abuse

Economic abuse means any behaviour that may affect a person’s ability:

  • to receive, use, or maintain money or other property
  • get goods or services 

Get support

If you think you are experiencing any type of abuse, it is important to remember that it is not your fault. If you are unsure but it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

You may feel alone and that no-one can help you. You are not alone and support is available.

Speaking to someone about what you are going through can help you to feel less alone. They can support you in understanding your options. 

Find out where to get help if you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.

How to get help 

Report domestic violence and abuse to the police:

Help in an emergency

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, phone 999 and ask for the police.

If it is not safe for you to speak you can use the Silent Solution system - call 999, and if you don’t speak you will be diverted to an automated system. You can then press 55 to be transferred to the local police force.

Find out about your partner

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), or Clare’s Law, is a way to find out if your partner has a history of domestic abuse and may pose a risk to you. Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application.