Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse.
A person’s behaviour is labelled domestic abuse if both them and their victim are:
- 16 or over
- personally connected to each other – for example, family members or past or present intimate partners.
Behaviour is abusive if it is:
- physical
- emotional
- psychological
- sexual
- financial
This definition includes honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, or social background.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 statutory definition
Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if:
- A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other
- the behaviour is abusive.
Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological, emotional, or other abuse
It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
The one constant element of domestic abuse is the abuser’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the victim.
If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse, or are being threatened, intimidated, or stalked by a current or previous partner or close family member, it is likely you are a victim of domestic abuse.
You may be feeling frightened, isolated, ashamed, or confused. If you have children, they may be suffering as well, whether they witness abuse or not.
Remember, you are not to blame for what is happening.
You are not alone, and you do not have to suffer in silence.
Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service 24-hour helpline at 0300 0120 154
Help and support for victims of domestic abuse
If you or someone you know are in danger and need immediate help, always call 999.
If you dial 999 but cannot speak, press 55 when prompted by the operator. This is called the Silent Solution, which you can find out more about.
For non-emergencies, call 101.
Local contacts
Eve
Eve support victims of domestic abuse. You can:
- telephone – 07827 239496
- visit the EVE website
Northampton Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS)
Call 0300 0120 154, open 24/7, if you are a victim of domestic abuse.
Visit the NDAS website to find out more about the support they offer.
Sunflower Centre
Sunflower Centre are independent domestic violence advocates that support high risk victims of domestic abuse.
Call 01604 888211 or email sunflower@northants.pnn.police.uk.
VOICE
VOICE support victims and witnesses of crime and offer specialist domestic abuse support.
You can call 0300 303 1965 or email info@voicenorthants.org.
Northamptonshire Rape Crisis
Northamptonshire Rape crisis offer advice and support for victims of rape or sexual abuse.
For confidential support, call 0300 222 5930.
Serenity Northamptonshire
Serenity Northamptonshire offer support for victims of rape or sexual assault.
Call 01604 601713, open 24/7.
Safeguarding – adults
If you have a safeguarding concern about an adult, call 0300 126 7000.
You can report a safeguarding concern about an adult.
Safeguarding – children
If you have a safeguarding concern about a child, call 0300 126 7000.
You can also make a MASH referral.
National contacts
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call 0808 2000 247, open 24/7.
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid offers a live web chat service.
Visit the Women’s Aid website to access their support.
Respect: Men’s advice line
Respect is a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.
Call 0808 8010 327.
Galop
Galop support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
Call 0800 999 5428.
National Centre for Domestic Violence
The National Centre for Domestic Violence is a fast, free emergency injunction service for domestic abuse.
Call 0800 970 2070 or email office@ncdv.org.uk.
Support for children and young people
Childline
Call 0800 1111, a free and confidential service open 24/7.
Visit the Childline website to find out other ways to contact this service.
NSPCC
If you have concerns about a child, call 0808 800 500. This helpline is available between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.
