Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is abuse that takes place inside people’s home.  It includes mental, emotional, sexual, physical, and financial abuse between members of the household, in a close relationship.

Domestic abuse is much more common than people think.  One in four women and one in six men are affected by domestic abuse.  It can happen to anyone, in all types of relationships.

Domestic abuse can take many different forms, or a combination of:

• physical
• sexual
• emotional
• financial

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling behaviour, and rarely a one-off event.

Victims of domestic abuse often feel responsible and guilty for the abuse, and it can go on for years, often increasing in frequency and severity.

Victims of abuse should:

• recognise it for what it is
• accept that they are not to blame

What should I do?  

Seek help and support!

There are many agencies that can help if you, or anyone you know, is suffering from domestic abuse.

If you choose to talk to us, we’ll support you and treat anything you tell us as confidential.

The police take domestic abuse seriously.  If you, or a member of your household, is at immediate risk of violence, dial 999 or 112.

Our service includes:

• accommodation in a safe house
• support and outreach for people living in the community
• support for the abuser (where appropriate)
• planned ways to leave the situation safely
• housing and benefit advice
• much more

Our service is available to all residents across West Somerset, not just our own tenants.  Sometimes we all need help or support dealing with a crisis.

For confidential advice please ring us on 01984 635115 or 01984 635119

or contact:

DAFFS (Domestic Abuse Freephone Support)                  0800 69 49 999 

Men’s Advice Line                                                         0808 80 10 327  

Somerset Survivors  

Somerset Change                                                         01823 352247
Make the Change                                                         01823 353456
(voluntary programme for men who want to change their abusive behaviour)                                  

Womens Aid National Helpline (24 hour service)             0808 2000 247
                                  

out of working hours:
Social Services emergency duty team                            01458 253241

If you feel you are at immediate risk of violence call 999