What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is abusive behaviour which happens between two people aged over 16 years who are personally connected. You may be personally connected to someone if they are your current or ex-partner, family member or carer. You do not have to live together to be personally connected. The abuse could be a one-off event, or a pattern of events over time.
Abusive behaviour can include:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- financial or economic abuse
- psychological or emotional abuse
- online or digital abuse
- neglect
- stalking or harassment
- honour-based abuse
- isolation
To learn more about domestic abuse please look at Essex Compass.
Understanding Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, no matter their age, gender, or background. The effect of domestic abuse can be upsetting, not only for the victim but also for their children, families, and communities.
Help and support is available if you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse. You are not alone.
Housing and Homelessness
People experiencing domestic abuse are at a bigger risk of homelessness. If a person is homeless because of being a victim of domestic abuse, they will be given a priority need for help with housing.
If you need advice around housing, the Housing Solutions team can help. You can find more detailed information around housing here: Advice for victims of domestic abuse – Homelessness
You can call 01702 215002 to speak to a member of the Housing Solutions team or email them at HousingSolutionsTeam@southend.gov.uk.
Children and Young People:
If you or someone in your family is experiencing domestic abuse, you may not know what to do. You can tell a trusted adult, such as a teacher, a friend’s parent, or a family member you do not live with, and they can give you some advice.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
You can call Childline for free on 0800 1111 and they will be able to give you advice, 24 hours a day.
If you are concerned that a child or young person may be at risk, you can find more information about what to do on our Child Protection page.
For local support and advice:
If you are in danger right now, call 999 and speak to the police.
If you are calling from a mobile phone and it is unsafe to speak, you can press 55 to be connected straight to the police, who will then attempt to communicate with you by asking simple questions that you can respond “yes” or “no” to.
If you need advice in a non-emergency situation, you can call 101 to speak to the police.
Another option for support is Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately). Ask for ANI is a codeword scheme developed by the Home Office to provide a discreet way for victims of domestic abuse to signal that they need emergency help from the safety of their local pharmacy.
The "Ask for ANI" scheme is intended to work alongside and build on existing work and provide an additional tool that can be used to help the most vulnerable victims access emergency support in the community.
Victims of domestic abuse will be able to use the codeword ANI in participating pharmacies (including all Boots stores and participating independent pharmacies) to let staff know that they require an emergency police response or help contacting a helpline or specialist support service.
Participating pharmacies will display posters in their window and around the pharmacy to let customers know that they can approach their staff to seek help. Any information shared will be treated confidentially.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24/7 for free and confidential advice.
Telephone: 0808 2000 247.
Compass is a Domestic Abuse Helpline to access Community Based Services and Specialist Accommodation in Essex. The Compass helpline is available 8am – 8pm weekdays and 8am – 1pm weekends. Outside this time, you can leave a message to receive a response within 24 hrs.
Telephone: 0330 333 7444
Website: www.essexcompass.org.uk
Galop offer emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse, hate crime and sexual violence.
Website: https://www.galop.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 999 5428
Respect offers support and advice to male victims of domestic abuse, including running The Men’s Advice Line
Website: https://www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 801 0327
SOS Rape Crisis provides free, confidential specialist support for all survivors who have been raped or experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
Website: https://www.sosrc.org/
Telephone: 0300 003 7777 or 01702 667590
Women’s Aid aims to empower women who have been affected by domestic abuse to live independent lives free from fear and abuse. Their website has a number of useful links and information.
Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk
Karma Nirvana offer support to victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Website: https://www.karmanirvana.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 599 9247
SETDAB is the Southend, Essex, and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board, working in partnership across Essex to offer support to victims, perpetrators, and professionals.
Website: https://www.setdab.org