We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
Domestic abuse is a gendered crime which is deeply rooted in the societal inequality between men and women. It is a form of gender-based violence, violence “directed against a woman because she is a women or that affects disproportionately.” (CEDAW, 1992).
Women are more likely than men to experience multiple incidents of abuse, different types of domestic abuse (intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking) and in particular sexual violence. Any woman can experience domestic abuse regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, sexuality, class, or disability, but some women who experience other forms of oppression and discrimination may face further barriers to disclosing abuse and finding help.
Domestic abuse exists as part of violence against women and girls; which also includes different forms of family violence such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called “honour crimes” that are perpetrated primarily by family members, often with multiple perpetrators.
For help with getting an injunction call us now.
How can we help?
For help text “NCDV” to 60777. To make an online referral referdirect.org.uk
office@ncdv.org.uk
Freephone : 0800 9 702070
HDAH are a confidential and free support and signposting service for anyone affected by Domestic Abuse. When you call them, their well-trained call takers will listen carefully and non-judgmentally to what you say before providing information appropriate to your particular situation. They have contact details for around 177 specialist support services in Hertfordshire that could help you with your specific situation.
08 088 088 088 
Free and confidential support for anyone affected by domestic abuse.
Mon-Fri: 9am – 9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am – 4pm
Our first major programme is helping mothers and fathers to bring an end to domestic abuse and give their babies the best start in life.
For Baby’s Sake takes a whole-family approach that deals with the entire cycle and history of domestic violence and abuse, identifying and directly addressing the trauma or traumas that lie at the heart of the problem. The end result is that both mother and father play a positive role in raising their child, within a relationship or outside, turning one, two, three or even more lives around, and a cycle broken.
Supporting those who have experienced violence and abuse is at the core of everything we do. No matter what your experience – domestic violence, sexual violence, ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, FGM, human trafficking or modern slavery – we are here to support you.
We run a range of specialist services to help survivors access safety and rebuild their lives. We understand each person’s circumstances and needs are different and that survivors need different services at different times. Our expert staff work closely, and confidentially, with every individual to develop a bespoke support plan. If a woman is not sure what service she wants or needs, Refuge will support her to explore her options.
Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
