What is domestic abuse?

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

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

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

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

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

Latest

IDVA’s in lockdown

The IDVA team understands the impact lockdown has had and the additional difficulties, this has for our victims/survivors of domestic abuse for we all continue to break down these barriers and continue to be innovative in how we offer our support.

Half Marathon for Next Chapter

Next Chapter provides vital services to women in my local area who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse. They offer a range of support, from immediate response after violent incidents to long term counselling which allows women to rebuild their lives.
In light of COVID19 and the 'stay at home' message, women experiencing domestic abuse are likely to need more support than ever.

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.

A day in the life of working in refuge

Our aim is to fill the women who come in with power and independence. For many they have lost this and it takes time to get the ability to make decisions for themselves again. Sometimes we advise women on what their options are but we never make choices for them as this is part of gaining their independence back. We assist to ensure that they are in receipt of benefits, assist with housing applications and to gain legal orders.

How to move forward from loss and grief

These are all perfectly natural feelings and reactions to loss and grief and some may even compare it to a bereavement. Even if you don’t feel that way at all you may have been left feeling empty and confused or angry. We might constantly be bargaining with ourselves still or find that depression has taken over. We all deal with loss in our own individual ways and this is what makes each of us so unique. This is perfectly normal too.

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.

Special Place in the Home

So, you survived Monday! Well done. One of the things that I am really missing is seeing my friends and family – we know that ‘being connected’ is really important for our mental health and emotional wellbeing. Having close positive relationships gives us a purpose and a sense of belonging. During this lockdown many of the ways we are usually connected to people – friends, family, work colleagues, school chums – have changed beyond all recognition.

The Role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Safety begins at home.....?

We know from speaking to our clients, that the lockdown has meant that some perpetrators may not be able to feed their addictions, or they may be over feeding their addictions due to boredom or frustration and this in turn will be affecting their mental health. There is so much research about the dangerous cocktail of this ‘toxic trio’ (the combination of domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health issues) as it leads to emotions being intensified which in turn drives behaviours.

Covid-19 - what are we doing?

As part of our commitment to individuals experiencing domestic abuse and their families who are worried about them - we’re doing our very best to make sure that we are always available to respond and help. Your safety and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we are prioritising our services in relation to safety and support above everything else.

Help in an emergency

What to do in an emergency. If you think that you are in immediate danger then you need to call 999 for the police.

IDVA’s in lockdown

Mask fitted, safety card is located in the seat in front of you

Last week we focused on our own psychological safety (routine so important here) and helping our children to feel emotionally safe – but what about being physically safe? For many children living in a household with domestic abuse, school provided the routine and much-needed respite. With schools closed and communities ‘shut down’, how can we help ourselves and our children to stay safe when violence erupts.

Our Services

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