What is Domestic Abuse?

Women’s Aid defines domestic abuse  as ‘an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer’.  Anybody can experience domestic abuse, but nobody should.

Domestic abuse can include:

• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Online or digital abuse
• Family violence such as forced marriage and ‘honour crimes’

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse help is available.

Where to get help?

Always call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if a crime is in progress.

Here at Newman you may wish to speak to a Counsellor  for emotional support or to a Welfare Adviser who can discuss support options with you and help with practical issues.  You can make an appointment to see a Counsellor or Welfare Adviser by emailing studentsupport@newman.ac.uk

There are many organisations within the West Midlands and nationally who can help if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.

Local Support Agencies

Birmingham & Solihull

• Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid – 0808 800 0028
• RSVP ( Rape and Sexual Violence Project)– 0121 643 4136
• Birmingham LGBT Domestic Violence Service – 0121 643 0821

Coventry

• Coventry Haven – 0800 111 4998

Black Country

• Black Country Women’s Aid – 0121 553 0090
• Black Country Stalking Support Service – 0121 553 0090
• The Haven – 08000 194 400
• CHADD Women’s Support Services –  01384 864232

National support agencies that can help

• National Centre for Domestic Violence – 0800 970 2070
• National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
• National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300
• National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline – 0800 999 5428
• Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
• The Mankind Initiative – 01823 334244
• Freedom Programme – 01942 262 270
• Karma Nirvana – 0800 5999 247