Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a deeply concerning and distressing issue that affects countless individuals and families worldwide. It involves the use of power and control by one person over another within an intimate or family relationship. This abusive behavior can take various forms, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, verbal threats, financial control, and sexual coercion.

Victims of domestic abuse often face immense challenges and may feel trapped in their situation due to fear, shame, or lack of support. The impact of domestic abuse extends far beyond the immediate physical harm, as it can cause severe emotional and psychological trauma. Survivors may suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Recognising the signs of domestic abuse is crucial for early intervention and support. However, many cases go unreported due to the complex dynamics involved. Breaking the silence and seeking help can be difficult, but it is essential for the safety and well-being of the victim and any children involved.

Thankfully, there are numerous resources available to assist survivors of domestic abuse. Support organisations, helplines, and shelters provide a lifeline for those seeking to escape abusive situations. Trained professionals offer counseling, legal advice, and guidance to help survivors regain control of their lives and rebuild their self-esteem.

Additionally, raising awareness about domestic abuse is vital to challenge societal attitudes and foster a culture of respect, equality, and empathy. Education and advocacy efforts aim to dismantle the roots of domestic violence and promote healthy relationships based on mutual trust and understanding.

Communities, governments, and organisations must work together to address domestic abuse comprehensively. This includes implementing policies that protect survivors, holding abusers accountable for their actions, and providing long-term support and rehabilitation for all those impacted.

By standing together against domestic abuse, we can create a safer and more compassionate society where everyone can live free from fear and violence. It is essential to promote a culture of empathy and respect, where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered to break the cycle of abuse and find hope for a brighter future.

Spotting the signs of domestic abuse can be important in helping someone who might be experiencing it. Here are some signs to look out for:

Physical Injuries

Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries that the person tries to hide or makes excuses for.

Changes in Behavior

Sudden changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, anxious, or showing signs of depression.

Isolation

The person may be isolated from friends and family or seem to avoid social interactions.

Controlling Partner

If one partner seems overly controlling, always checking on the other person, or limiting their freedom.

Frequent Arguments

Constant arguments and tension in the relationship.

Fearful or Nervous Behavior

The person may seem constantly fearful or nervous around their partner.

Low Self-Esteem

A sudden drop in self-esteem or a lack of confidence.

Unusual Absence

Frequent unexplained absences from work, school, or social activities.

Constantly Checking in

The person may receive excessive calls or texts from their partner, needing to know their whereabouts.

Financial Control

One partner might control all the finances, making the other dependent and unable to make their own financial decisions.

Threats or Intimidation

If there are threats of violence or intimidation directed towards the person.

Forced Sexual Activity

Any form of sexual activity that is not consensual.

It's important to remember that not all abusive relationships show all these signs, and some signs may be more subtle than others. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic abuse, approach them with care and empathy. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and experiences, and let them know that you're there to support them.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to contact emergency services Otherwise, encourage the person to seek help from a trusted adult, a helpline, or a support organisation specialised in domestic abuse. Remember, your support and concern can make a significant difference in someone's life.

There are many ways domestic abuse can be reported - whether by a victim themselves or a friend or relative of someone who is experiencing an abusive situation.

In an emergency call 999.

In a non-emergency, call Merseyside Police on 101. Crime can also be reported to the police online.

Domestic abuse can be reported anonymously online to Crimestoppers or by calling 0800 555 111.

Advice and guidance can be sought from Wirral Family Safety Unit.

The most important thing is to tell someone - a friend, relative, colleague, support service or agency.

If there are concerns about a child or young person at risk of harm, abuse or neglect this should be reported to the Wirral Integrated Front Door Team by email to cadtsocialcare@wirral.gcsx.gov.uk or call 0151 606 2008 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) and outside of these hours call 0151 677 6557.

How to keep safe during a violent incident:

If the victim is able to they should dial 999 in an emergency. They should try to leave the telephone line open (or ‘off the hook’) so that the operator can still hear them

If they can't dial 999, they should try to telephone or text a friend, relative or neighbour with a pre-arranged code word indicating that they need help so that they can call the police for them

Plan escape routes before they need to use them

If there has been a safety plan completed , try to as much as possible to follow that plan.

Whilst some victims of domestic abuse may not want to report the crime for a number of reasons, there may come a point when they want or need to.  Having a record of what has happened and when, is very important as it may be used at a later date to support court cases or re-housing applications if applicable. 

Where possible this record should include:

The date and time of the incident

Details of any witnesses

How it made the victim feel

A photograph of any injuries

Ideally any injuries should be reported to the victim’s GP or hospital. It is important that this record is kept safely by the victim, so as not to put them at further risk. Services and agencies who support victims of domestic abuse can give advice on how best to do this.

Whilst some victims of domestic abuse may not want to report the crime for a number of reasons, there may come a point when they want or need to.  Having a record of what has happened and when, is very important as it may be used at a later date to support court cases or re-housing applications if applicable. 

Where possible this record should include:

The date and time of the incident

Details of any witnesses

How it made the victim feel

A photograph of any injuries

Ideally any injuries should be reported to the victim’s GP or hospital. It is important that this record is kept safely by the victim, so as not to put them at further risk. Services and agencies who support victims of domestic abuse can give advice on how best to do this.

Staying safe

If possible, the victim should try and leave the situation as their personal safety and that of any children involved is of paramount importance.

Keeping safe if a victim decides to leave their home:

Tell somebody they trust that they are leaving. They may want to agree a plan and/or a code word in advance

Have a small bag packed with spare clothes, keys, telephone numbers and money in case they have to leave quickly. If they are afraid that it will be found, leave it at work or with a friend or someone they trust

Talk to their children beforehand about the possibility of leaving in an emergency if it is appropriate. The children should be taken with them

Only leave when it is safe to do so

Take some identification that might help others protect them from the perpetrator, such as a recent photograph and any official documentation such as a passport, driving licence and/or other documentation if applicable.  This will help in sorting any benefits or other entitlements as quickly as possible once they have left the situation

If they later discover that they have left something behind, they can arrange to collect it with a police officer - they should not return by themselves

Take advice regarding injunctions from a reliable solicitor

Keeping safe if a victim decides to stay:

Seek help from support agencies

Let the support agencies know how they can contact them (e.g. at work or at a friend's address)

Make sure they remove all traces of contact with support agencies

Access the internet for information about domestic abuse from a public place, such as a local library or internet café, or a friend’s house or Safe Point to avoid leaving a trace. If they log on at home, delete their computer history if they have visited a domestic abuse related website. Women’s Aid provides pointers about keeping safe online at home

Dispose of phone records

Keep a record of the abuse (see above)