Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse (DA) is when one person is ‘abusive’ towards another person who they are ‘personally connected’ to, and both people are aged 16 or over. This can be one single incident or on-going behaviour.
Abuse’ can be any of these behaviours;
- Physical or sexual abuse.
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour.
- Economic abuse (where the behaviour prevents or hampers their ability to get, use or keep money or property, or obtain goods and services)
- Psychological, emotional, or other abuse.
The full legal definition can be found on the Government website
‘Personally connected’ means that the two people are:
- they are, or have been, married or civil partners to each other
- they have agreed to marry one another or have entered into a civil partnership agreement (even if it didn’t go ahead)
- they are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other
- they are or have been parents or guardians to the same child
- they are relatives
- You should always call 999 in an emergency, if you or anyone is at risk of immediate harm
- You can report to the Police via 101 or online via https://www.report-it.org.uk/domestic_abuse
- You should let us know as we may be able to support you move or improve the security of your home. However, if you have a joint tenancy we cannot change locks
- Any agency can refer you for support if needed. There are charities that provide free legal support should this be needed, such as help to apply for legal orders, such as injunctions or a non-molestation order. There is other personal support that can be provided though dedicated Domestic Abuse charities. You can refer yourself to the National Centre for Domestic Violence
Please let us know if you are or have experienced Domestic Abuse, one of our team will be in contact with you within one working day.