Domestic abuse has the potential to affect people from all ages, genders and backgrounds.
While it's a term often used to refer to violence between partners, it also includes abuse between ex-partners or family members.
There are many types of domestic abuse, including physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and financial. It also covers stalking and harassment, which can be distressing.
Domestic abuse is an umbrella term for many different types of abusive behaviour from people taking advantage of, and misusing, power in a relationship.
Many domestic abuse factors can affect our mental health. These include:
- Verbal abuse
- Isolation
- Harassment
- Physical threats
The above factors and many more can have horrendous effects on our wellbeing, causing problems with anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
Many victims are frightened to cut ties with their abuser. This may be because of physical threats, but also because they may think the abuser will change or they are scared of the future.
For more information, see our safeguarding page.
If there is an immediate physical danger or someone has a medical emergency, call 999 now.
If you can't speak, press '55' on your telephone keypad when the operator is on the line to get help. To report a non-emergency incident, contact Humberside Police on 101.
If you suspect a child is being abused or harmed, then you should contact the Safeguarding Children team at the Integrated Children's front door. Call them on (01472) 326292 and select option 2. This is a 24/7 phone number.
If you suspect an adult is being abused or harmed then you should contact the Safeguarding Adults team at Focus Independent Adult Social Work. Call them on (01472) 256256. This is a 24/7 phone number.
Women's Aid offer support to anyone who is experiencing any form of domestic violence. If it's safe to do so, you can call them on (01472) 575757. Alternatively, you can send a message through this online form or email support@womensaidnel.org.
The Blue Door are a specialist service who provide support to anyone that has experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence in North and North East Lincolnshire. You can call 0800 197 4787 to speak to them or email info@thebluedoor.org.
Refuge: Refuge offers support and advocacy for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
Men's Advice Line: The Men's Advice Line offers confidential advice and support to men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner or family member.
Respect not Fear: Information for young people on unhealthy relationships, online safety and more.
GALOP: An organisation that supports all LGBT+ people who've experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Childline: If you’re a child and in a situation where you may be experiencing domestic abuse, Childline can offer some advice or support via their free, 24-hour confidential helpline
Emergency Flee Fund: TSB has launched an ‘Emergency Flee Fund’ with payments of between £50 and £500 for victims of domestic abuse.
Found a useful resource we haven't included? Know an organisation or group we could be signposting to? Contact us and let us know!