Domestic Violence
You are not alone
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence happens when your partner/expartner or other family member hurts or threatens to hurt you. It may include some or all of the following:-
- Physical abuse - hitting, slapping, punching, biting, hair pulling, burning
- Emotional/psychological abuse - put-downs, verbal abuse and humiliation, blaming, isolation from family and friends
- Sexual abuse - rape, unwanted sexual contact, forcing sex with others, making you watch/take part in pornography
- Financial abuse - having to account for everything you spend, being kept without money, preventing you from getting/keeping a job
- Harassment - being watched, being followed, being pestered, receiving unwanted phone calls or text messages
How common is Domestic Violence? (Facts & Figures)
- One in Four women experience Domestic Violence in their lifetime
- At least two women are killed every week in the UK as victims of domestic and sexual violence
- It is estimated that the police get a call every minute from someone who is a victim of domestic violence.
- 45% women have experienced at least one incident of inter-personal violence in their lifetimes.
- At least 750,000 children a year witness domestic violence.
Who can help?
- Living Water Satisfies only handles the recovery process of victims of domestic violence.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, PLEASE CALL 999.
- National domestic violence helpline - If you are experiencing domestic violence or are worried about a friend please call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge)
- Women's Aid - a national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. The charity provides support and a place of safety to abused women and children.
- The Police - any kinds of domestic abuse are criminal offences and the police take all domestic violence very seriously. Most forces have specially trained, experienced officers who will listen and speak to you separately from your partner.
- Victim Support - offers information and support to victims of crime, whether or not they have reported the crime to the police.
Leaving Domestic Violence Safely
- Have some money saved in case you need to get a bus or taxi.
- If you don’t have a mobile find somewhere you can quickly and safely use the phone should you need to.
- Have a small bag already packed with an extra set of keys, money, important documents and clothes
- Keep important numbers on your phone as well as on a list in your bag
- Teach your children how to keep safe and how to dial 999, if you leave always try to take them with you
- Take essential medicines that you and your children may need
- Leave only when it is safe to do so. Always think about exit routes
- If you have an injunction, keep it with you at all times and send a copy to the police
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