What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any single or repeated incident where someone's behaviour is abusive. This can involve include physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse, and threatening, controlling and/or coercive behaviour.
Children are also recognised as victims of domestic abuse if they see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse between two personally connected individuals who are over 16. However, abusive behaviour directed at a person under the age of 16 is child abuse rather than domestic abuse.
Getting help and support
You don’t have to put up with domestic abuse. Don’t wait for an emergency situation to get help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it’s important you tell someone.
You’re not alone, our Neighbourhood Officers are trained to deal with disclosures and can help you find support.
They regularly visit schemes so for you to stop and talk to them, or you can get in touch using the details below.
*in an emergency call 999
Resources
Domestic abuse support
Support for older people
Support if you're disabled
LGBTQ+ support
Support to change your behaviour
Other ways to get support
Glow is a charity on a mission to end relationship abuse, campaigning for change and providing support throughout Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.
- 0330 0945 559 (Staffordshire)
- 0133 2985 111 (Derbyshire)
New Era offer help to all those affected by domestic abuse in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent, New Era provides free and confidential support for victims, perpetrators, and their families.
- 0300 303 3778 (Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire)
Women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge for free at any time, day or night.
The Men's Advice Line can give you information about refuge space and arrange a referral.
GALOP support LGBTQ+ victims of hate crime, sexual abuse, and domestic abuse of all ages.
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) providers support to victims being forced into marriage either in the UK or abroad.
Karma Nirvana offer support to anyone impacted by Honour-based abuse.
Is your behaviour hurting someone you love?
Don't let it cost you your relationship
Do you recognise yourself in any of these behaviours?
- When we argue I shout and they're scared of me
- When I see my partner talking to someone else I get jealous and hit them
- I promised I would never slap them again, but I did.
