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Domestic abuse is the use, attempt, or threat of violence - whether physical, emotional, sexual, mental or economic, within an intimate or family relationship. Domestic abuse forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour
Domestic abuse occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.
These pages contain useful information on actions being taken to tackle domestic abuse in South Gloucestershire and links to other relevant sites and publications.
QUICK EXIT
Please visit the following pages for more information:
Internet safety
For some people it may be important to remember that computers keep records of where users have visited; which means their abusers could become aware they are seeking help via the internet. There are ways to erase these records and instructions can be found on the cover your tracks page. It may be safer and easier for people seeking help to use a computer in a public space such as a library.
Adults worried about domestic abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse you are not alone. Many people will have been through the same experience: one in four women and one in six men will experience some form of domestic violence during their lifetimes.
The first thing to remember is you are not to blame, much domestic abuse is a crime and you should not have to put up with it. Taking action can be hard, but there are a lot of support agencies, which will give you the emotional and practical support you may need. Many have staff that have been through the same experiences, all have staff that will understand and do all they can to help.
If you report your experiences to someone and they do not seem to understand it is very important that you do not give up: try someone else, or best of all, contact one of the support agencies listed on this website. In an emergency, if you or your children are at risk of immediate harm please always call the police on 999.
Child or young people worried about domestic abuse
All relationships whether those within the family or with a partner can have their ups and downs. Sometimes, though, relationships can become clearly unhealthy when for example one person is trying to control another or acting in a violent way.
Abuse in a relationship may be physical but it can also be emotional, sexual, mental or economic (being in control of someone else’s money). Violent and unhealthy relationships are damaging in a number of ways. People can become anxious or depressed and feel overwhelmed with the situation and do not know who to turn to for help. Often people experiencing violence within a relationship or who are witnessing it at home begin to blame themselves and can feel that they don’t deserve anything better.
This is wrong. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and care and if this isn’t happening either through domestic violence within the home or within a relationship there are agencies that can offer confidential advice and a safe place to go. Take a look at some of these websites that have specific information aimed at young people:
Safeguarding children
Child protection is about the safeguarding of children who are being abused or are in danger of being abused. If you have any concerns about possible abuse it must be reported to the department for children and young people on 01454 866000.