What is Domestic Abuse?
Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults aged 18 years or over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. (Family members are defined as including mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, and grandparents, whether directly related, in laws or step family.)
Domestic Abuse rises from a misuse of power and exercise of control by one person over another. This is usually men over women, but can be women controlling men. It can also take place within same sex relationships.
Domestic Abuse is rarely a one off event. If you are living in an abusive relationship, you are probably finding it very hard to cope. If you are living in fear of someone with whom you have had or are having a close personal relationship you can get help, support and information. This can then help you make choices about your safety.
What can I do to help myself?
If you’re in an abusive relationship there are three important steps you can take:
1. Recognise that it is happening to you
2. Accept that you’re not to blame
3. Above all, get help and support
The most important thing you can do is tell someone. You may find this to be a quick and simple decision or a long and painful one as you struggle against the practical and emotional reasons for staying in an abusive relationship.
If you are living in an abusive relationship seek advice and support and never be afraid of asking for help.
Your safety comes first.
Living and Working in North East Lincolnshire
Further information may be found in our guides to living and working in North East Lincolnshire as they cover topics around personal safety and are also provided in various languages too.
Further help and support is available from:
The Multi Agency Domestic Abuse team, which is made up of various professionals from agencies including:
Humberside Police
Social Care
It's My Right Services
Education
North East Lincolnshire Council.
As the team is made up of different agencies they are able to provide support for victims and their families that have either reported the incident through the Police of for those victims who choose not to have Police involvement.
Contact Details
Police Domestic Violence Team (01472) 721225 or 01472) 721224
It's My Right (01472) 870500
Womens Aid North East Lincolnshire provide support (01472) 575757, support is also available for male victims.
Victim Support also provide support and advice and have a drop in service on Tuesday afternoons (01472) 250251.
For male victims there is advice and support available through the Victim Support Male Helpline 0845 30 30 900 www.mensadviceline.org.uk and www.mankind.org.uk
Further information on a range of services locally and nationally are available in the Domestic Abuse directory.