Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is very common and currently claims the life of
two women a week and affects millions of people and one incident of
domestic abuse is reported to the Police every minute.
The Government defines Domestic Violence as:
'Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse
(psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between
adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members,
regardless of gender or sexuality'.
(An adult is defined as any person aged 18 years or over and
family members are defined as Mother, Father, Son, Daughter,
Brother, Sister and Grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws
or step family)
Whatever form it takes it is rarely a one-off incident and
should instead be seen as a pattern of abusive and controlling
behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their
victim.
Do you need help or know anyone who does?
If you are in a violent or abusive relationship or if you know
or are supporting somebody in that situation, help is
available:
National Domestic Violence Helpline Number
(FREEPHONE) 0808 2000 247
24 hour service
Basildon Women's Aid
01268 581591
24 hour emergency helpline
M.A.L.E
(Men's Advice Line and
Enquiries)
A confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse and
violence from their partners or ex-partners.
0808 801 0327
Mon-Wed 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm
Broken Rainbow
(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender)
08452 604 460
Mon 2-8pm
Wed 10-1pm
Thurs 2-8pm
Southend Police Domestic Abuse Team
01702 423151
Victim Support
Victim Support is the
independent charity which helps people cope with the effects of
crime and provides free and confidential support and information to
help you deal with what you've been through as a victim or witness,
whether or not you report the crime to the police. Victim
Support also works to promote and advance the rights of victims and
witnesses and is an independent organisation and not part of the
police, courts or criminal justice agency.
0845 30 30 900
Childline
0800 1111
NSPCC National Helpline
0800 800 5000
Don't Suffer in Silence!