Domestic Violence
Domestic violence (also called Domestic Abuse) has often been referred to as domestic violence however abuse can come in many different forms and a person does not necessarily have to be physically injured to be a victim. Domestic abuse is defined as: -
"Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender".
Types of Domestic Violence include:
- Physical - being hit.
- Sexual - rape or degrading treatment.
- Financial - having money withheld or being forbidden from getting a job.
- Social - not being allowed to see friends and family or go out.
- Psychological - constantly telling someone they are worthless and so reducing their self esteem and confidence.
- Emotional - telling a person their children will be taken from them if they leave.
What you can do
- If you are experiencing domestic abuse you may feel like you have nowhere to go and no-one to turn to. This is not true as there are a lot of organisations that can help you.
- You may decide to report the offender to the Police and try to have them kept away from you, your children or home.
- You may decide to leave the house and go to a friend or relative or to a refuge or hostel.
- Store vital documents such as passports, birth certificates & bank details elsewhere such as at a friend's or relative's house. If you decide to leave try to take them with you.
- Make phone calls from a phone box or friend's house.
- Report all injuries to your GP so there is record of abuse. Training has been given to staff and doctors at Northampton GP surgeries on domestic abuse and how they can help.
- Confide in someone if you feel able to do so.
- Talk to a solicitor about your legal rights.
Local Groups
Northampton Sanctuary Scheme: The Northampton Sanctuary Scheme provides the opportunity for victims of domestic abuse to stay in their own homes by improving security with professionally installed security measures.
To find out more about the Northampton Sanctuary Scheme, click here
Childline
A free and confidential 24 hour helpline for children and young people in the UK. If you want to talk to someone about anything that is worrying you.
Tel: 0800 1111
Connexions or 4you2.org.uk
Help, support and guidance on a variety of issues for young people aged 13-19
The Hideout
Help, information and support for children and young people - whether you're currently living with violence, you've experienced violence in the past or if you know someone else going through it and you're looking for help and information.
The Lowdown
Information and advice
3 Kingswell Street (off Gold Street)
Northampton
NN1 1PP
Tel: 01604 622223
Sunflower Centre
The Sunflower Centre offers help and advice for victims of domestic violence, and runs groups for children who have experienced domestic violence.
Sunflower Centre (Northampton) Tel: 01604 233684
Sunflower Centre (Kettering/Corby) Tel: 01536 204691
