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.”
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse.
- Physical or sexual abuse.
- Financial or economic abuse.
- Harassment and stalking.
- Online or digital abuse.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse.
- Physical or sexual abuse.
- Financial or economic abuse.
- Harassment and stalking.
- Online or digital abuse.
Are you experiencing Domestic Abuse?
- Are you afraid of your partner or family member?
- Do you change your behaviours because you are afraid of their reactions?
- Are they jealous and possessive?
- Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells?
- Do you feel controlled or isolated?
Safe Spaces
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it can be isolating and difficult to find support or think about your options. In recognition that women’s needs are different from men’s and, that non-gender specific services can be positively damaging to some women, we also provide separate support provision spaces for men and women, ensuring that anyone seeking support for domestic abuse feels safe
Many local organisations also provide Safe Spaces. These are confidential, private and safe rooms for survivors who are experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence, where they can access resources for support, a phone to contact a relative or agency for support and plan their next move. The scheme is facilitated in pharmacies, which were able to remain open during lockdown, and banks. There are now over 6,000 Safe Spaces across the UK.
Safe Spaces can be found in Boots UK, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, HSBC, TSB banks and independent pharmacies across the UK. These locations provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse. You can use a Safe Space in whichever way works for you. They provide a safe and discreet way to reach out to friends and family, contact specialist support services and start your journey to recovery.
- Step One: Walk into any participating Safe Space in the UK
- Step Two: Ask a member of staff to use their Safe Space
- Step Three: You will be shown to the Safe Space which will be a private room
- Step Four: Once inside you can use the space in whichever way works for you. They provide a safe and discreet way to reach out to friends and family, contact specialist support services and start your journey to recovery
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.
