Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and families worldwide, cutting across all demographics, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds. It encompasses a range of behaviours, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, psychological intimidation, economic control, and sexual abuse.
Despite increased awareness, domestic abuse often remains hidden behind closed doors due to stigma, fear, and misinformation. This website aims to shed light on domestic abuse, its signs, effects, and ways to seek help and support those affected.
Whilst this website is focussed on women in mid & later life, the resources below are for anyone.
The Impact of Domestic Abuse
The consequences of domestic abuse extend beyond immediate physical harm. Survivors often experience long-term psychological effects, including:
- Emotional Distress
- Trauma responses
- Feelings of helplessness and low self-worth
- Physical health problems, stroke, memory loss due to head injuries, non-fatal strangulation & suffocation.
- Disability caused by physical injury or neglect of someone’s needs.
- Shame, guilt & self blame
- Chronic pain
- Sleep disruption or fatigue
- Racing thoughts
- Job instability and financial dependence
- Disruption of social relationships and support networks
- Isolation & loneliness
- Mistrust or fear of others
Seeking Help
For those affected by domestic abuse, reaching out for help can be daunting but is a critical step toward safety and healing. Here are some steps to consider:
Create a Safety Plan
- Identify safe places to go and pack an emergency bag with essentials
- If you are employed, check to see what support and resources are available at work
- Establish a code word with trusted friends or family for emergency situations
- Contact domestic abuse hotlines and organisations for confidential assistance
UK Organisations
Women’s Aid
24-hour national domestic abuse helpline for women and children
0808 2000 247 https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
Mankind
Provides information and support specifically to men affected by domestic abuse.
01823 334244 https://mankind.org.uk/
Hourglass
Has a 24-hour helpline and support service specifically for older people affected by any form of abuse.
0808 808 8141 (text service 078 6005 2906)
https://wearehourglass.org/hourglass-services
Galop
Provides a helpline specifically for LGBTQ+ people affected by domestic abuse.
0800 999 5428 https://galop.org.uk/get-help/helplines/
Karma Nivana
Support anyone affected by honour based abuse.
0800 5999 247 Karma Nirvana Website
Hersana
Support black femme survivors of domestic abuse
0333 016 9610 https://www.hersana.org/
Respect
Provides services for perpetrators of abuse who seek to change their behaviour. This is for any gender.
0808 8024040 https://www.respect.org.uk/
Men’s Advice Line
Respect also run a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse
0808 8010327 https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
SignHealth – service for deaf people
https://signhealth.org.uk/with-deaf-people/domestic-abuse/
Surviving Economic Abuse
https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help/
PEGS
Provides online support for parents, guardian or carers experiencing child to adult abuse. This could be a child under 18 or an adult child abusing their parent.
Those at risk can refer themselves using the online referral form.
Other Resources
Bright Sky
This is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
You can also search for local services in your area.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/supporting-our-nhs-people/support-now/wellbeing-apps/bright-sky/
Safe Spaces
You can type your location into this website and a list of organisations such as banks, relaters and pharmacies who provide a safe space to access support will be shown nearby.
https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/
We Protect
Legal advice for those impacted by domestic abuse. You can refer yourself or with consent employers can also refer.
https://domestic-abuse.co.uk/employers/