Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is not just about violence, it can involve many different types of behaviour and ill treatment:
- Coercive control
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Economic abuse
- Forced marriage
- Honor based abuse
24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Freephone: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Support at our Trust
If you are experiencing domestic abuse of any kind, please approach any member of our staff to receive immediate support.
How can I access help?
It’s important that you get support from a trusted organisation. They will be able to help you or point you in the right direction.
Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership – 0800 0527222
Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service – 0800 915 1561
! If you are in immediate danger always call the police, and always dial 999 if it is an emergency and press 55 if you can’t talk (only on mobile phones). They have a duty to protect and help you!
‘Do You See Her’ video shows us that domestic abuse happens to all women of all ages
How common is it?
- 1 in 4 women will be affected by domestic abuse in their adult lifetime
- 2 women are killed each week by their partner or ex-partner
- 51% of victims attending hospital have children at home
- On average, 35 incidents of domestic abuse will have been experienced before a victim gets effective help.
Domestic abuse and children
Some of the biggest victims of domestic abuse are the smallest
If you have children, or have children living in your home, they will be affected by the domestic abuse that is happening. Even though you may be doing your very best to protect them, children who live with abuse can feel very frightened and upset.
Children may get caught up in the middle of an assault and get hurt, or may see you being hurt and not know what to do. You may think that if children don’t see or hear the abuse they won’t be affected, but they will be and will be upset to see the effects of the abuse on you.
If there are children in your home it is important that you get help to protect them and you. Children want you to be safe.
You may feel very alone in your situation and not even realise you are experiencing domestic abuse.