Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can be:

• threatening behaviour
• violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) that takes place in intimate or family-type relationships

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

It happens across all ages, social class, race, gender, sexualities and disability. Women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence but men can be victims too.

In 90 per cent of domestic violence incidents, children or young people are in the same or next room. All children or young people witnessing domestic violence are being emotionally abused.

Reach Out

Reach Out is a support service for any adult in Redbridge who is being abused or at fear of being abused. The service provides practical and emotional help, support and counselling whether you wish to remain with your partner or need help to separate.

Contact

If you need help, advice or are concerned for somebody else contact:

• Call: Reach Out on 0800 1456410
• Email: reachout@redbridge.gov.uk
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm excluding bank holidays

For more information about Reach Out and being at risk of domestic abuse during this pandemic, please see our Reach Out page.

Out of hours

• Call: Refuge on 0808 2000 247
• Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

In an emergency

If it is an emergency, call 999

If you dial 999 but are unable to speak, you can press 55 to indicate this to the emergency services.

Are you at high risk or serious harm?

If any of the following are happening to you, you could be at risk of serious harm we strongly encourage you to seek support and protection from the Police or another domestic violence service:

• violence is getting worse or you have been seriously hurt
• you have been threatened
• you have recently separated or told your partner you are going to leave
• the perpetrator has access to weapons
• the perpetrator has raped or sexually assaulted you
• the perpetrator is harassing or stalking you after you have left
• the perpetrator is extremely jealous, possessive and controlling
• you are pregnant or have recently given birth
• you are socially or culturally isolated by the perpetrator
• there is extended family involvement and collusion with the abuse
• the perpetrator is misusing drugs or alcohol
• the perpetrator is abusive, aggressive or threatening towards your children
• the perpetrator has a history of ignoring or breaking injunctions or other court orders.

If you are in a violent relationship, what can you do?

• recognise that what is happening to you is domestic violence, and that it is unacceptable
• accept that you are not to blame
• contact the Police or one of the specialist domestic violence services

Get help if you think you may be an abuser

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be an abuser, there is support available.

Respect: a helpline for domestic abuse perpetrators that directs them to programmes in the local area. The helpline also takes calls from (ex)partners, friends and relatives who are concerned about perpetrators.

Telephone: 0845 122 8606.

If you hear domestic violence

If you hear domestic violence taking place next door, you should report it to the Police immediately.

There are many signs of domestic violence including: verbal abuse, pressure tactics, disrespect, breaking trust, isolation, harassment, threats, sexual violence and physical violence. The abuser will often deny the abuse is happening.

Further advice and the survivor's handbook

More information is available on the Central Government website, including on:

• Signs and behaviours to help you recognise you may be in an abusive relationship
• The domestic violence disclosure scheme
• Applying for settled status and benefits
• Universal credit adjustments

Women's Aid a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children, have produced a survivors handbook, which provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, with simple guidance on every aspect of seeking support.