Domestic Violence & Abuse

Domestic Violence support and information in Portsmouth

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone male or female. We have listed some information for you on how to recognise the signs and where to get help and support. If you would like to chat to us please contact us at ECASS Portsmouth.

Domestic violence, which is also called domestic abuse, includes emotional, physical and sexual abuse in couples, relationships or between family members.

Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser so please don’t suffer in silence.

Please find listed below a section of helpful contact if you are suffering domestic abuse or violence.

Physical abuse

The person abusing you may hurt you in a number of ways.

Does the person ever:

  • slap, hit or punch you?
  • push or shove you around?
  • bite you or kick you?
  • choke you or hold you down, restrain you in any way?
  • throw things at you?

Emotional abuse

Does the person you live with ever:

  • tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?
  • control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things?
  • monitor your social media profiles, share photos or videos of you without your consent or use GPS locators to know where you are?
  • belittle you, or put you down?
  • blame you for the abuse or arguments?
  • deny that abuse is happening, or downplay it?
  • make unreasonable demands for your attention?
  • accuse you of flirting or having affairs?
  • isolate you from your family and friends?
  • stop you going to college or work?

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone.

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

  • touch you in a way you do not want to be touched?
  • make unwanted sexual demands?
  • hurt you during sex?
  • pressure you to have unsafe sex – for example, not using a condom?
  • pressure you to have sex?

If anyone has sex with you when you do not want to, this is rape.

Have you ever felt afraid of your partner at any stage?

Have you ever changed your behaviour or being the person you need to be because you’re afraid of what your partner might do?

If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are lots of people who can help you.

1 in 3 cases of domestic violence and abuse against women starts during pregnancy.

Threats and intimidation

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

  • read your emails, texts or letters?
  • harass or follow you?
  • threaten to hurt or kill you?
  • destroy things that belong to you?
  • stand over you, invade your personal space?
  • threaten to kill themselves or the children?

Deciding to leave

The first step in escaping an abusive situation is realising that you’re not alone and it’s not your fault.

Before you go, try to get advice and support from an organisation such as:

If you’re considering leaving, be careful who you tell. It’s important the person abusing you does not know where you’re going and if you find yourself in a situation where you are under threat phone 999.

Women’s Aid has useful information about making a safety plan that applies to both women and men, including advice if you decide to leave.

Sexual assault

Anyone who has been sexually assaulted can get confidential help, treatment and support at a sexual assault referral centre.

Read more about getting help after rape and sexual assault.

Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre

Please realise you are not alone and if you require help please feel free to contact us at ECASS.

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