Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse. It may take many forms including, psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional. Domestic abuse happens in all communities, regardless of gender, age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity.
Types of abuse
Is sometimes called psychological abuse and involves the emotional mistreatment of a person. Examples of this are humiliation and constant criticism, threatening, shouting, name calling, making a person feel small and manipulation.
Verbal abuse is the use of harsh or insulting language directed at a person. You might be called names or constantly put down by your partner.
Domestic abuse also includes female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
Involves deliberately hurting or injuring a person, such as, by hitting, punching, biting, throwing things, pulling hair and holding a person down.
Sexual behaviour or a sexual act that is forced upon a person without their consent or by taking advantage of the person.
Is also known as economic abuse and includes controlling a person’s money and finances, taking out loans or credit cards in their name without consent, stopping them from working or keeping the money they earn.
An abuser may not be physically violent, but use threats of violence, intimidation and manipulation to make a person feel controlled, fearful, exploited and isolated from support.
All procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
When a marriage in which one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.
So called honour crimes or honour-based abuse is when a crime or incident has been committed ostensibly to protect or defend the honour of the family or community. This can involve emotional abuse, physical abuse, family disownment and in some cases, murder. In most cases there are multiple perpetrators from the immediate family, sometimes the extended family and occasionally the community at large.
Useful contacts
We are a member of the Brentwood Domestic Violence Forum, which consists of a number of agencies working together to combat domestic violence. If you need more information from other members of the Forum, you can contact them directly:
Basildon Women’s Refuge
Tel: 01268 581591
A charitable organisation providing refuge for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence, which may be physical, mental or sexual. Trained staff can offer you support and advice, and a telephone counselling service is also available if you do not wish to leave home, despite suffering domestic abuse.
Male Advice and Enquiry Line
Tel: 0808 8010327 Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Mankind
Tel: 01273 911 680
Email: admin@mankindcounselling.org.uk
Support for men who have been sexually abused.
Men Have Rights Too
Tel: 07456 257 457
Email: info@menhaverightstoo.co.uk
For male victims of domestic violence and abuse
Social Services
Tel: 0345 6037630
If your children are living in a violent situation they may be considered as 'Children in Need' under the Children Act 1989. Social Services have a duty to support such families and can offer help and advice. Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Victim Support
Tel: 08 08 16 89 111
Offers a free and confidential service providing emotional support, practical information and literature and someone to accompany you to a Police station or Court attendance.
Citizens’ Advice Bureau
Tel: 08444 775991
An independent general advice service, offering free and confidential advice on a wide range of subjects. You can use the Bureau on a walk-in basis or on the telephone. Free legal advice is available.
Home-Start
Tel: 01277 263325
A voluntary organisation offering support, friendship and practical help to families with at least one child under 5 years.