Domestic Abuse Safety Unit | Uned Diolgelwch Trais Teuluol
What is
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse, which is sometimes called domestic violence, is any abuse that happens in a family or personal relationship where one person has power and control over the other. It is never ok. There is no excuse for domestic abuse
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behavior, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.”
Are you experiencing domestic abuse?
Does your partner ignore you or criticise your appearance?Does your partner make you doubt yourself, or accuse you of things you haven't done? Does your partner use physical violence against you?
Does your partner isolate you?
Are you prevented from seeing family and friends? Does your partner insist on accompanying you wherever you go?
Does your partner use sex or money to control you?
Do you agree to have sex because you are afraid not to? Are you made to do things you are uncomfortable with? Are you kept short of money?
Is your partner mentally abusive?
Does your partner blame you for their behaviours?
Does your partner use the child(ren) to control you?
Does your partner criticise or ridicule you to the children?
Are you constantly having to explain yourself or say sorry?
Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells? Do you feel trapped? Do you never know where you stand? These are just a few examples of domestic abuse and the impact it can have on us.
Each year around 2.1m people suffer some form of domestic abuse - 1.4 million women (8.5% of the population) and 700,000 men (4.5% of the population)
Despite feelings of isolation, statistics show you are not alone – if you need help, you can find it here.
It takes, on average, 7 attempts before a victim of domestic abuse is able to leave for good.
Whether you are looking to speak with a support worker to seek some advice or you are ready to plan your safe exit. We can support you every step of the way and encourage you to make your own decisions to determine your own future.
Domestic abuse is linked to depression and homelessness.
We offer therapeutic services, emotional support & housing advocacy, including support to safely remain in your own home.
20% of children in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse.
Our specialist Children & Young People support team can work with those under 18 affected by domestic abuse.
What is a
Healthy Relationship
You know when you’re in a healthy relationship because you feel happy to see and spend time with certain people. They could be members of your family, your friends, or even a partner. No relationship is ever perfect and you’ll definitely have moments when minor disagreements will happen causing frustration with others. This is all part of managing our relationships with people around us.
There are many factors that help us keep healthy relationships including:
- commitment
- trust
- respect
- responsibility
Commitment
All relationships require a level of commitment, but our partners require the most.
Each relationship is different, but you will likely show your commitment by:
• being faithful
• sharing financial burdens
• making decisions together
Trust & Respect
All relationships require an element of trust, it is an essential part of bonding with others. Trust means sharing your thoughts and feelings. A relationship without trust is at risk of disagreements, suspicion and ultimately, breaking apart. Respect is essential in all relationships - brother, sister, parents, friends or partner. So much of life is shared with our family, friends and eventually our partner that it’s easy to show disrespect even when you think you’re not. You might make fun of your friend or family member's attitudes or beliefs without realising that you have hurt them. You might treat them in a way that doesn’t value them as a person. That attitude can lead to an abusive relationship.
Responsibility
Being responsible means being honest about what you have said or done and being willing to face the consequences. www.thedenbighworkshop.com Doing so all the time will win you respect and loyalty but It’s not always easy. Taking responsibility in a relationship might mean changing your behaviour to fit with your friends, your family or your partner.
Unhealthy relationships
The signs of an unhealthy relationship are easy to spot. People stop communicating, become less close, argue more frequently and show less love and respect for each other. There are many reasons that a relationship might break down. Often it has to do with the personalities, attitudes and behaviours of the individuals. Other causes come from outside the relationship. There are many ways to deal with or improve an unhealthy relationship - we could try listening more to others and become more aware of their needs. We could look at our own behaviour honestly and try to identify aspects of it which is causing problems with others. The best way to improve an unhealthy relationship between partners is by getting help & advice.
The effects of unhealthy relationships
It can be very damaging to your mental health if other people are disrespectful, don’t encourage you, and undermine your trust. You may suffer low self-esteem or depression, which may affect all aspects of life. A poor relationship may harm your connections to other people. In an unhealthy romantic relationship, your partner may try to control who you can see and speak to. This may harm your ability to maintain a healthy relationship with friends and family.
All unhealthy relationships are stressful
They may lead to unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, drinking and drugs. They could lead to a loss of appetite, a change in appearance, weight loss, or a sleep disorder.
