What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is a pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. It is the misuse of power and control by one person over another.
Domestic abuse can be perpetrated by a partner, an ex-partner, or a family member (when two people are “personally connected” to each other). It is categorised as domestic abuse when both parties are 16 and over. It is never acceptable. It is very common and there are support services available to help.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse (e.g.name calling, put downs)
- Physical (e.g. being hit) or sexual abuse (e.g. rape or degrading treatment)
- Financial or economic abuse (e.g. having money withheld)
- Stalking and Harassment
- Online or digital abuse
How to access support or report domestic abuse?
If you or anyone you know requires support relating to Domestic Abuse, please refer to the following advice and support services.
In an emergency please always call the police on: 999
Local Support Services: Monday – Friday
Knowsley Council Safer Communities Domestic Abuse Service:
Tel: 0151 443 2610
or email: Enquiries.safercommunities@knowsley.gov.uk
The First Step (Specialist Independent Domestic Abuse Service):
Tel: 0151 548 3333
www.thefirststep.org.uk
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub:
Tel: 0151 443 2600 (24 hours)
Housing Support: Knowsley Housing Solutions Service:
Tel: 0151 443 2333
Further support is also offered by these national agencies:
Regional and National Support Services
Further support is also offered by these national agencies:
- victimcaremerseyside.org (directory of services)
- Women’s Aid
www.womensaid.org.uk - National Domestic Violence Helpline:
Tel: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours) - National Stalking Helpline:
Tel: 0808 802 0300 - Worst Kept Secret Helpline
Tel: 0800 028 3398. - Refuge (includes information for men)
www.refuge.org.uk
Tel: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)