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  1. News, Impact & Stories
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Blog

Financial Abuse

Financial Abuse

Financial or economic abuse is not just about money it’s about the abuser having control and taking your choices away from you. It doesn’t always involve a crime like theft or fraud. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 10th December, 2021

Author: Nicola C

Elder Abuse -The Hidden Victims

Elder Abuse -The Hidden Victims

Domestic abuse in later life has been a hidden issue, with hidden victims. It can be extremely hard for older people to reach out for help, to talk to someone about what they are suffering, and many services simply have not yet recognised that domestic abuse affects people of all ages. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 9th December, 2021

Author: Teresa A

Coercive Control & Emotional Abuse

Coercive Control & Emotional Abuse

We all have a part to play in continuing to evolve the way in which this crime is recognised, and ensure that justice is served on those that fall victim to it. We are committed to ensuring that we continue to advocate for the rights of victims to be heard and their experiences validated. We would like to ensure that all victims are treated in a trauma informed way and in accordance with their needs. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 8th December, 2021

Author: Nikki T

Feedback from Previous Refuge Client

Feedback from Previous Refuge Client

We find feedback so valuable here at Next Chapter. It is a way to offer hope to those at the beginning of their journey but also a way to offer inspiration to every single person. Read Annabelle's journey, but be warned - you may need tissues! Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 7th December, 2021

Author: Previous Refuge Client

Perpetrators of Abuse

Perpetrators of Abuse

There are different kinds of abuse but it always stems from the perpetrators need to have power and control over the other person. Perpetrators often believe their feelings and needs should be the priority in the relationship and the abuse allows them to remove the equality in the relationship , making their partners feel less valuable and undeserving of respect. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 4th December, 2021

Author: Kate M

Men…….. how many need our help? It feels like we may never truly know.

Men…….. how many need our help? It feels like we may never truly know.

Domestic Violence against men happens, yes statistically the numbers are far fewer but is this because we are totally in the dark about the true number of men who actually need our help? None of us know what goes on behind closed doors and for a man to step out and say ‘help me, I’m being abused by my partner’ is incredibly hard. We are all equals, we all count, and we all have the right to live a life free from abuse. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 3rd December, 2021

Author: Shelly H

Depression and Domestic Abuse in the Workplace

Depression and Domestic Abuse in the Workplace

Incidents of domestic abuse are common and have a serious impact on those who experience it. Studies have consistently demonstrated the prevalence of domestic abuse, with an estimated 1-in-4 women experiencing DA at some point in her life. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 2nd December, 2021

Author: Julie H

How does domestic abuse affect mental health?

How does domestic abuse affect mental health?

The most effective way for victims to protect their own mental health is to reach out and talk to someone about how they are feeling. This could be a family member, a friend, a GP, or services such as Next Chapter. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 1st December, 2021

Author: Naomi S

Bystander to Domestic Abuse

Bystander to Domestic Abuse

It can be a worrying time when someone you know or care about is experiencing domestic abuse. Remember your help and support can make a great difference to some who is currently experience domestic abuse. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 30th November, 2021

Author: Lorna P

LGBTQ+ and Domestic Abuse

LGBTQ+ and Domestic Abuse

Although the response to LGBTQ+ victims of domestic abuse/violence is gradually improving, the LGBTQ+ community is often met with ineffective and victimizing legal responses. 45% of victims do not report the abuse/violence they experience to police because they believe it will not help their situation. Members of the LGBTQ+ community may feel they will be denied support from the police and domestic abuse services due to homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. This is not so. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 29th November, 2021

Author: Lesley C

Domestic Abuse as a Gendered Crime

Domestic Abuse as a Gendered Crime

Domestic abuse includes, forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, the so-called honour-based abuse of women and girls, perpetrated at the hands of the people who are supposed to be trusted the most, your family, your community. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 27th November, 2021

Author: Ruth C

How do I get a senior buy in?

How do I get a senior buy in?

Creating such a positive and caring culture in the workplace with the ability for employees to share their situation and reach out for support not only helps to prevent the escalation of abuse, it will keep employees and their families safer, help to reduce sickness, lateness and poor productivity and promote positive health and wellbeing. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 26th November, 2021

Author: Sally H

How does domestic abuse impact the workplace?

How does domestic abuse impact the workplace?

Research shows that a high proportion of those enduring domestic abuse are targeted at work because the abuser knows they will be there.  Domestic abuse can negatively affect workplace colleagues as well as the person experiencing the abuse. However, vitally, the workplace can often be one of the few places that a person experiencing abuse can be separate from their abuser, and therefore can be the place where people are able to ask for and access support. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 25th November, 2021

Author: Beverley J

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. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 24th August, 2021

Author: Shelly H

It’s time you let yourself of the hook

It’s time you let yourself of the hook

Victim blaming is something we have all heard of, it’s something we know is unacceptable but what if we are doing this to ourselves? Getting your own mind to stop sabotaging itself is probably just as hard as breaking away from the abuser. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 25th June, 2021

Author: Shelly H

National Stalking Awareness Week - Jenny's Story

National Stalking Awareness Week - Jenny's Story

We can provide vital support to help victims of stalking, here at Next Chapter we have trained staff members that will help you every step of the way. Click here to read Jenny's story of stalking and how we were able to help her to now live a life free from stalking and domestic abuse. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 20th April, 2021

Updated: 24th May, 2021

Author: Zara T

Why doesn't she just leave??

Why doesn't she just leave??

Understanding the reasons and the countless barriers that stand in the way for any woman who is attempting to leave an abusive relationship is the important part. We will never just ask a woman to leave, we empower women to make their own decisions in an attempt to hold abusers to account for their behaviour. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 12th March, 2021

Updated: 20th April, 2021

Author: Ruth C

How are you? But how are you really?

How are you? But how are you really?

This is something we say without really thinking too much about it when we talk to our friends and family, it’s a question, but not one we take a lot of notice of, as we all generally reply ‘good’ or ‘fine’ even when we are not really feeling that way. So, if we have our doubts we could consider How are they really? Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 10th March, 2021

Updated: 22nd April, 2021

Author: Naomi S

Sexual Abuse in a Relationship

Sexual Abuse in a Relationship

It is so important to raise awareness of sexual abuse, the many forms it can take and why many women subconsciously accept the abuse as normal in their relationship. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 6th February, 2021

Updated: 10th March, 2021

Author: Jenna R

Sexual Abuse Awareness Week

Sexual Abuse Awareness Week

Rape and sexual assaults do happen in relationships and if something isn’t comfortable or not wanted then regardless of relationship status should not happen. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 5th February, 2021

Updated: 10th March, 2021

Author: Lucinda W

New Year ... New You?

New Year ... New You?

A few months ago, there was a serious incident whereby the police were called, the abuser was taken into custody. Dawn was relieved but at the same time terrified of what the implications would now mean for her and the kids. Thankfully, Dawn was referred to our services by the Police Officer who had attended that night. Dawn knew deep down that she had no choice but to face this now, head on, she was sooooo brave in doing so. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 23rd December, 2020

Updated: 10th March, 2021

Author: Shelly H

12 Days of Success

12 Days of Success

One of my real highs was with a client who had endured abuse for 18 years, to ensure her safety and anonymity, I will be calling her Rebecca. Rebecca’s abuse took the form of coercive control, isolation from friends and family, manipulation, and physical abuse. She had already taken a major step in her journey before coming into our service, by splitting up with her perpetrator. The outstanding abuse and issues that needed to be resolved mainly occurred through child contact, which is sadly the Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 22nd December, 2020

Updated: 10th March, 2021

Author: Connie F

Be authentic this Christmas

Be authentic this Christmas

Maybe this relationship is not quite what you thought it was, last Christmas was truly amazing but this Christmas you are just not sure what is going on.  He is slowly starting to stop you from being who you want to be, maybe your friends and family have pointed out that you are distant or seem unhappy? This is the time to speak to someone, Next Chapter are here to listen and offer advice, it can be hard to discuss these types of worries to people you are close to and who know your partner. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 21st December, 2020

Updated: 5th February, 2021

Author: Shelly H

We support men too

We support men too

Following a serious incident of domestic abuse toward Martin by his partner, he was advised to seek support from The Next Chapter. When Martin first engaged in our services he made it very clear that he loved his partner and had no intention of leaving her. He said that he wanted support, as he often felt tearful and overwhelmed by the situation. He also felt embarrassed as it was ‘his job as a man’ to take care of his family and keep them safe. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 20th December, 2020

Author: Lesley C

Reaching Out

Reaching Out

Annie referred herself to our service earlier this year for support and advice around leaving a relationship, and most importantly safeguarding herself and her daughter. Reaching out for support was a major milestone for Annie, this was something she had thought about several times before but for many reasons was unable too. On some occasions, the perpetrator would talk her out of ending the relationship by minimising or denying the abuse, and for others Annie doubted whether she had the streng Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 19th December, 2020

Updated: 25th June, 2021

Author: Amy M

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Showing 10 of 61

Latest

  • 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.

  • Evening Support Worker

    Evening Support Worker

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

  • A Stalking Advocate for Every Victim

    A Stalking Advocate for Every Victim

    The Suzy Lamplugh Trust conducted a survey in March 2022 to gather information on stalking victims’ access to, and experiences with, Independent Stalking Advocates.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Professional referrals

    Professional referrals

    Use this full referral form to access services

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Phone: 01206 500585

Phone: 01206 761276

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Next Chapter is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 02266883 and registered as a Charity number 1058295. Registered office Next Chapter, P.O. Box 40, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2XJ © Copyright 2019 The Next Chapter (East of England). All rights reserved.