GuideKeeping safe

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2. Domestic violence

Domestic violence is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

  • psychological
  • physical
  • sexual
  • financial
  • emotional

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called 'honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

What you can do

Everyone has the right to be safe in their own home and to live free from abuse, violence, threat and fear. There are things you can do to change your life and support services available to help you do this. Whatever you do, you can choose what is the best and safest solution for your situation. There are several things that you could do to change your situation, including some of the following:

  • Recognise that you are in an abusive relationship and that you have the right to be treated differently - this might be difficult and take some time, but until you are able to do this, nothing can change.
  • Find out where you can find emotional support and practical help - you may want to start by talking to a friend you can trust.
  • Get advice from a solicitor or the Citizen's Advice Bureau about your legal rights, protection under the law, safe housing and money.
  • Contact Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance to discuss the available options work out a crisis safety plan to keep you and your children safe. See also phone number shown below.
  • Identify a safe place to go, such as a friend, neighbour, family member or a women's refuge.
  • Plan how to get help in an emergency at any time.
  • Store emergency clothes, money, children's toys, important documents, addresses, telephone numbers and spare keys with someone you can trust or in a safe and easily accessible place.

For more information about sexual violence and domestic violence and abuse, and the support available, visit Devon County Council website

How to get help

If you are in immediate danger or you know of someone else who is due to domestic abuse do not hesitate in dialling 999.

Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance

DDAA provides one integrated service to meet needs at different journey points

 

Please click link for a range of services and organisations in Devon that support victims and survivors to become safe and recover from their trauma. 

Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Service

Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services offers specialist trauma informed support to anyone living in Devon and Torbay aged 13 upwards, irrespective of sex or gender identity, who has experienced any form of sexual violence including rape, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, ‘honour’ crimes, ritual abuse, sexual intimidation or sexual harassment.

They provide confidential specialist support online, in person or by phone to explore your feelings and experiences. Alongside this we can also give unbiased information on your options and rights.  They understand how difficult it is to talk and reach out for support so will always be led by you and your pace.

It doesn’t matter if the abuse took place yesterday or sixty years ago, you are not alone, they are here to help. They will listen, believe and never judge or blame you.

Helpline: 01392 204174 (Mon, Wed, Fri 6pm-9pm)

Office line: 01392 208756 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4pm)

Email: support@devonrapecrisis.org.uk

Website: devonrapecrisis.org.uk

 

Hollie Guard is a personal safety app that lets users quickly raise an alert, share their location, and notify trusted contacts if they feel at risk. It provides real-time tracking and emergency features designed to help keep individuals safe wherever they are.

For Children and Young People

  • A free confidential service for anyone worried about what they are seeing or hearing in their home. The service offers counselling and advice: NSPCC – 0800 800 500

Other contact numbers

  • Sexual Abuse Line (a free listening service for people in Devon who have been sexually abused either recently or in the past). Tel: 0808 800 0188
  • Elder Abuse Helpline (advice is required about older people who are being abused). Tel: 0808 808 8141
  • National Stalking Helpline. Tel: 0808 802 0300
  • Childline: 0800 1111