Help with domestic abuse

Find support and advice about domestic abuse.

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What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic Abuse occurs between two people who are ‘personally connected’. This means: intimate/romantic partners, ex-partners, family members or individuals who share parental responsibility for a child. There is no requirement for the victim and perpetrator (abuser) to live in the same household.

Domestic abuse does not just mean physical violence. It can also be emotional, sexual, psychological (how you think and feel) or through money (financial / economic). It also includes so called honour-based abuse (you might be told you are bringing shame to the family), female genital mutilation, and forced marriage. It could be one or all of these.

Domestic abuse also includes ‘coercive control’. If you are being forced to change your own behaviour because you are scared of your partners / family members reaction -it's likely you are being abused.

Domestic Abuse can happen in any relationship -regardless of gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Babies, children and young people who hear or see these behaviours could feel frightened and confused, even if they do not show it. Any child witnessing abuse is also a victim of domestic abuse in UK law, even if they are not the direct recipient.

During big life changes, like pregnancy, domestic abuse can get worse. This is a critical time to support someone to safety.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and anybody can be an abuser. To find out more information: visit Suffolk Constabulary or Suffolk’s domestic abuse help line, ‘Quick Line’.

This video illustrates how to spot the signs of domestic abuse:

Getting local help with Domestic Abuse

Local Community Support

You do not have to wait for an emergency to get help, if you are experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to know that you are not alone and there is help.

If someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, talking can help. You can access the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline for online live chat, or call their free confidential helpline which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 800 977 5690

If you are a child or young person, you can call Childline for support for any problems or dangers you are facing. You can contact them any time of day or night for free on 0800 1111 or talk to a Childline counsellor online.