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  1. What is Abuse?
  2. What is domestic abuse?

What is domestic abuse?

Keeping yourself safe

Keeping yourself safe

The most important step you can take to protect yourself and your children from abuse is to build a safety plan. Since you know your abuser's actions and behaviour, you can use this knowledge and build a plan. Read more

Published: 19th October, 2018

Updated: 7th September, 2020

Author:

Types of Abuse

Types of Abuse

Explore this section to learn some of the common warning signs of each type of abuse. Remember, each type of abuse is serious, and no one deserves to experience abuse of any kind, for any reason. Read more

Published: 10th February, 2019

Updated: 11th July, 2019

Author: Beverley Jones

What is domestic abuse?

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic Abuse is a pattern of behaviours used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.  It can also be referred to as domestic violence or sexual violence and includes human trafficking and modern slavery, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called ‘honour’ violence. Read more

Published: 10th February, 2019

Updated: 19th March, 2019

Author: Beverley Jones

Who can be in an abusive relationship?

Who can be in an abusive relationship?

Anyone can be abusive and anyone can be the victim of abuse. It happens regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race or economic background. Read more

Published: 10th February, 2019

Author: Beverley Jones

Why do people abuse?

Why do people abuse?

Domestic abuse stems from a desire to gain and maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abusive people believe they have the right to control and restrict their partners, and they may enjoy the feeling that exerting power gives them. Read more

Published: 10th February, 2019

Author: Beverley Jones

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Showing 10 of 5

Latest

  • Family Domestic Abuse Practitioner

    Family Domestic Abuse Practitioner

    If you have experience of working with children, young people and families experiencing domestic abuse, this is an amazing opportunity to make a positive, lasting difference to families living in your community.

  • Mayor and Tortoise - The Mayor's Big Run

    Mayor and Tortoise - The Mayor's Big Run

    Our exciting fundraising event in aid of the Mayor's chosen charities is taking place on 18th September.

  • Colchester Mayor's Charities of the Year

    Colchester Mayor's Charities of the Year

    We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Mayor's charities for their year in office.

  • Weekend Support Worker

    Weekend Support Worker

    We are currently looking for a Weekend Support Worker to join us on a part-time basis.

Most read

  • How does domestic abuse differ in other cultures?

    How does domestic abuse differ in other cultures?

    The actions of individuals are influenced by the norms, values, language, and other cultural factors that are like the dust in the air that surrounds everyone. These cultural factors are ingrained in us from the day we are born, and can play a role in either ending or perpetuating domestic abuse.

  • What is it really like in refuge?

    What is it really like in refuge?

    Our clients do understand what it’s like to be in this situation and often try to look after each other, Many of our clients become good friends and stay in touch after they leave.

  • Our Services

    Our Services

    We work with survivors of domestic abuse to help them make choices to reclaim their lives and begin their next chapter.

  • Fight, flight or freeze - what would a gingerbread man do...?

    Fight, flight or freeze - what would a gingerbread man do...?

    I know many of you will be familiar with the fight/flight, freeze response (sometimes just referred to as fight/flight) but in a nutshell this response is triggered when we perceive there is increased risk of threat or danger – the body activates the fight, flight or freeze response for survival.  When this is triggered, it makes learning new information and concentrating on anything really difficult as you are consumed with just trying to stay safe. Read on to hear more about this response...

  • Cycle of Abuse

    Cycle of Abuse

    The abuse cycle is a cleverly orchestrated process. It is designed to be this way by your abuser. They want you to feel lost, they want you to doubt yourself, then you will ‘need’ them even more. This feeds their ever-desperate ego.

  • Donating Items & Goods

    Donating Items & Goods

    We really appreciate the effort our supporters go to in order to donate the items and goods that we really need. If you would like to know what we need at the moment or how to donate to us then please do check here.

  • The Role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

    The Role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

    So, imagine for a moment that you’ve summoned up the courage to finally leave, you’re feeling vulnerable and afraid and understandably really nervous about what the future might hold –you have to try and find your way through all that…. that's if you even knew half of it existed in the first place or where and how to start to getting in touch with them… So that's where we IDVA’S come in.

  • Mission, Vision & Values

    Mission, Vision & Values

    Find out what gets us up every morning and keeps us delivering the very best advice & support that we can, each & every time.

  • Professional referrals

    Professional referrals

    Use this full referral form to access services

  • Ask for ANI scheme

    Ask for ANI scheme

    This is a new scheme created by the government to try and help victims of domestic abuse in lockdown. ANI stands for 'Action Needed Immediately' and if asked to a member of staff in a pharmacy, help will be given.

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