How to spot the signs, get help and report domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is used by someone to control you or someone you know or take power over you or them. Abuse can include physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, emotional and financial abuse.
Domestic abuse can be in many different forms including coercive control, sexual violence, digital or online abuse and harassment, human trafficking and modern slavery, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called ‘honour’ based violence.
If you or someone you know changes their behaviour because they are frightened of how their partner or someone within their household will react, they are being abused.
For more information on Safeguarding adults and children, please click here.
If you believe you or someone you know could be a victim of domestic abuse, here are some of the signs to look out for:
When reporting abuse always trust your judgment and don’t be afraid to report something you see.
Support organisations if you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic abuse:
Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app, launched in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
Since 2018, we have been supporting the Chartered Institute of Housing's 'Make a Stand' campaign. Our four pledge commitments, which we are working to put in place, are:
Put in place and embed a policy to support customers who are affected by domestic abuse.
Make information about national and local domestic abuse support services available on our website and in other appropriate places so that they are easily accessible for customers and staff.
Put in place an HR policy, or amend an existing policy, to support members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
Appoint a champion at a senior level in our organisation to own the activity we are doing to support people experiencing domestic abuse.