What is domestic abuse?

The Government definition of domestic violence and abuse is: "Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality."

This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

Psychological
Physical
Sexual
Emotional
Financial
Online or digital violence
Harrasment or stalking

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by:

isolating them from sources of support,
exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain,
depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape
regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim with an act or a pattern of acts of:

assault,
threats,
humiliation and intimidation,
or other abuse

There is a lot of help and support available if you are suffering domestic abuse. Do not suffer, seek help and in an emergency always dial 999.

Use the 'silent solution' if your circumstances mean you're afraid to make a noise. You may be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone in response to questions.

You can cover your tracks online if you are scared your abuser will see you have visited certain pages. You can switch your browser to 'private' or 'incognito' mode, which means it does not log the details of your website visits. Otherwise, you can delete both the history of visited websites and the temporary internet files from your computer.

The national Ask for Angela campaign was introduced by the Metropolitan Police and is now nationwide. If you are in a bar or pub, go to the bar and ask for Angela. The bar staff should know you need help getting out of your situation and will call you taxi or help you out discreetly without too much fuss.

Please do not hesitate to speak to any member of our team and we will assist you to get help and advice.

Alternatively, there are lots of organisations who can assist. Below is a comprehensive, but not exhaustive list.

Help based locally

Wiltshire

FearFree

Bringing together services for victims of dDomestic abuse and their families, providing a full range of services with a single, easy to use access point

Phone: 01225 775276 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Wiltshire out of hours helpline: 01793 610610 (5.00pm - 8.00am Monday - Friday and 24hrs at the weekend)

Website: www.fearfree.org.uk

Swindon

Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service

Supporting male and female victims

Phone: 24 hour helpline - 01793 610610

Website: www.swadomesticabuse.org

Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre is the first point of contact for people who have experienced rape and sexual assault. The SARC is a safe place which provides confidential practical and emotional support to anyone impacted by rape and serious sexual assault.

Phone: 01793 781916

Website: www.firstlight.org.uk/swindonwiltshiresarc

Somerset

Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Services (SIDAS)

Single point of contact for confidential advice and support to any person concerned about domestic abuse in the Avon and Somerset area.

Phone: 0800 694 9999

Website: www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk

National help available

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Free and confidential 24 hour helpline run by Women's Aid and Refuge. The helpline is a member of Language Line and can provide access to an interpreter for non-English speaking callers. The helpline can also access the BT Type Talk Service for deaf callers.

Phone: 0808 2000 247

Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

The Hideout

This helpline will take calls from children & young people

Phone: 0800 1111 (24 hour freephone) (Childline)

Website: www.thehideout.org.uk run by Woman's Aid.

Respect

Men's Advice Line and Enquiries

MALE is a Home Office supported advice and support service for men in abusive relationships.

Phone: 0808 8010 327

Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Galop

Support for LGBT+

Phone: 0800 999 5428

Website: www.galop.org.uk

Hourglass

Action on Elder Abuse

Phone: 0808 808 3141

Website: www.wearehourglass.org

The Honour Network (Karma Nirvana)

For victims of honour-based violence

Phone: 0800 599 9247

Website: www.karmanirvana.org.uk

Female Genital Mutilation (NSPCC)

Phone: 0808 800 8000

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/female-genital-mutilation-fgm

Forced Marriage Campaign

Phone: 0845 607 0133

Website: www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage

Southall Black Sisters

For Asian and African Caribbean women experiencing domestic abuse

Phone: 020 8571 9595

Website: www.southallblacksisters.org.uk

Help for perpetrators and abusers

If you want to change your behaviour, you can – with help. To talk to somone who can help, contact:

Respect

The national association for domestic violence perpetrator programmes and associated support services.

Phone: Respect on 0808 802 4040

Website: www.respect.uk.net

Somerset

SIDAS Perpetrator Programme on 0800 694 9999 Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) offers a voluntary, behavioural change group work programme,