Domestic Abuse support in Essex
Domestic abuse is defined by the UK Government as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional. This abuse can also take different forms, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
We support the campaign and work done to prevent domestic abuse by our partner agency Essex Police. Their advice on Domestic Abuse can be found below.
What is domestic abuse?
The legal definition of domestic abuse is: any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
This can include but isn't limited to the following types of abuse:
- physical
- emotional
- psychological
- sexual
- financial
Domestic abuse also includes honour-based abuse and forced marriage. The Crown Prosecution Service website has a breakdown of the types of domestic abuse. Just one incident counts as abuse.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality or social background. If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse, or are being threatened, intimidated or stalked by a current or previous partner or close family member, it’s likely you’re a victim of domestic abuse. You're not to blame for what's happening. You're not alone.
You can report it to us or, if you’re not ready to speak to the police, you can contact support organisations who will help you.
Support organisations
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, we can put you in touch with other support organisations that understand your specific needs. Below you’ll find a list of organisations who can assist you.
The police
Call the UK police non-emergency number, 101, if you need support or advice from the police and it's not an emergency. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101.
Local help
Compass - find a domestic abuse service in your district.
Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board - advice and information on services for those affected by domestic abuse.
Next Chapter - help for adults and children affected by domestic abuse.
Changing Pathways - help including refuges and counselling.
The Change Project - for victims and perpetrators.
Victim Support Essex - local branch of the national scheme
Report it
If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, and there's an emergency that's ongoing or life is in danger, call 999 now.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
Other ways to report: