If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or violence, it’s crucial to understand that help is available.
You don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. Reach out to a local domestic violence shelter, a trusted friend or family member, or a professional counsellor for support and guidance. There are numerous organisations and hotlines dedicated to providing assistance, resources, and a safe space for individuals affected by domestic abuse.
Your safety and well-being are paramount, and there are people ready to offer the help you need to break free from an abusive situation and begin the journey toward healing and recovery.
You are not alone, and there is hope for a brighter future.
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse and violence are distressing and harmful behaviours that occur within intimate relationships, affecting individuals in their own homes. Domestic abuse encompasses a wide range of actions aimed at establishing control and power over a partner or family member. This can take the form of physical violence, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual coercion, financial manipulation, and even isolation from support networks.
Victims of domestic abuse often endure physical and emotional suffering, as well as long-lasting trauma. It is essential to recognise that domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic background, and that it is never acceptable. Understanding the dynamics of domestic abuse is the first step toward addressing this pressing social issue and providing support to those affected by it.
Controlling behaviour: “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 and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour: a continuing act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”
Get Help:
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. As a federation we provide life-saving services across England while building a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated.
Refuge
Refuge is a domestic violence charity offering help, advice and support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse. You can chat to someone on their free phone number 24 hours a day: 0808 2000 247
Safe Steps
Safe steps exists to create a brighter future free from abuse.
SETDAB – Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board
The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) is made up of representatives from agencies and organisations working to join up and better facilitate Southend, Essex and Thurrock’s vision to work together to enable everyone to live a life free from all forms of domestic abuse.
Next Chapter
Call us for help: 0330 333 7 444 or 01206 500585
Providing free and confidential services to support women who are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced domestic abuse.
Changing Pathways
For help contact the helpline on 0330 333 7 444 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. For 24 hour help, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. For all office enquiries call 01268 729707.
Changing Pathways is a local domestic abuse charity working in South and South West Essex.
Southend on Sea Rape Crisis
Anyone aged 16+ can contact our 24/7 Support Line by calling 0808 500 2222 or starting an online chat.
Southend on Sea Rape Crisis provides free, confidential specialist support for all survivors who have been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse)
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ (run by Refuge)
The Men’s Advice Line
Here to support men experiencing domestic abuse. If you want to talk to someone, you can speak to our friendly and professional advisors on the phone, by email or on webchat. No pressure, no judgement, just help., for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428
Our helpline is for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, so-called “conversion therapy” or any other kind of abuse.
Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
Compass
A partnership of domestic abuse services providing a response in Essex.
Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0330 333 7 444
Helpline available from 8 am to 8 pm weekdays and 8 am to 1 pm weekends.
ManKind Initiative
Helping men escape domestic abuse.
HELPLINE 01823 334 244
Essex Police
Essex Police – How to report abuse
Hertfordshire Police
