Domestic abuse is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common.” (Women’s Aid)
Both men and women can be victims of domestic abuse. There’s help available:
- https://www.thehotline.org/resources/ (National Domestic Violence Hotline).
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help (Domestic Abuse information on the UK Gov website)
- https://directory.walthamforest.gov.uk/kb5/walthamforest/directory/home.page (Waltham Forest directory). You can search for resources, help for victims and more information through the search tab. Includes links to the websites of organisations/charities and safehouses available in Waltham Forest. For example: Refuge, Solace, and Women’s Aid. Most of these organisations don’t just support the women but also the children who often find themselves involved with the perpetrator and potentially at risk.
Safe spaces during Covid-19
Getting help can be hard. Some pharmacies offer safe spaces where you can find out how to get help https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/
Men: support and advice
Statistically, it is true that more women than men are abused within the home, however men can also be victims.
- https://www.mankind.org.uk/help-for-victims/types-of-domestic-abuse/ Helpline: call 01823 334244
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/help-for-men-who-are-being-abused.htm This website is one of a few that have a section offering help solely to men being abused. It offers guidance on how to escape abusive relationships, patterns to identify as well as other resources. It’s also a helpful resource for those trying to support someone who they believe is a victim, to help identify warning/trigger signs.
Staff resources
- https://safelives.org.uk/practice-support/resources-frontline-domestic-abuse-workers-and-idvas Resources for frontline staff working with domestic abuse victims and IDVA’s (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor).
- https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/downloads-and-resources/posters-and-leaflets/ Posters to raise awareness to the stages of domestic violence/abuse and help to prevent it. If people are more aware of the signs, they can spot victims or even perpetrators earlier on to prevent further violence or abuse.