This page is for anyone who has experienced, or is experiencing, domestic violence. Although we are not experts in this area, we know that domestic violence can be a reason behind parents separating and may affect the emotions that you and your child go through.
It is domestic violence whenever a person behaves in a threatening, violent or abusive way towards a family member, a partner or an ex-partner. The abuse might be psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional.
If you are suffering from domestic violence - you are not alone. Domestic violence accounts for nearly a quarter of all recorded violent crime in England and Wales.
You can contact the specialist organisations listed here:
- National Domestic Violence Helpline, 0808 200 0247 www.refuge.org.uk and www.womensaid.org.uk
- Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0808 801 0800 www.wdah.org
- Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0800 027 1234 www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk
- Respect Men's Advice Line (help for male victims), 0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Further help is also available:
- Your GP could refer you and your child to a local organisation for emotional or psychological support.
- There is a Community Safety Unit at every local police station.
- Your local authority may have a duty to provide you with emergency accommodation.
- Social services have a duty to help any child in need of emergency accommodation.
- A court can make a court order to keep your abuser away.