Domestic violence

Domestic violence and abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or you are worried about someone who may be, help and support is available. Nobody has to go through this alone.

If there is an immediate danger or risk of harm please ring 999. If you are unable to talk, use the Silent Solution.

1. Dial 999
2. Listen to the questions from the 999 operator
3. Respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can
4. If prompted, press 55 this lets the 999 operator know it’s a genuine emergency and you’ll be put through to the police.

For non-emergency police assistance, dial 101 for the Greater Manchester Police Switchboard (24-hour service).

Signs of domestic violence and abuse

There are different kinds of abuse. The abuse can be, but not limited to:

• psychological
• physical
• sexual
• financial/economic
• emotional

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour, through which one partner gains power and control over another. Perpetrators frequently use ‘brain washing‘ tactics, similar to those used on prisoners of war and hostages. The abuse has a psychological effect and victims tend to stay in the relationship, even when they are aware that it is abusive.

Domestic abuse can be any of (or a combination of) the following:

• 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.
• 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
• Threats of physical violence even though no actual physical force
• Physical violence such as shoving, hitting, kicking, head-butting, burning, choking
• Being forced to have sex
• Mental/emotional/psychological cruelty such as name calling, isolation from family and friends, deprivation of family income, being prevented from leaving the home, damage to pets or other personal items.
• Using and abusing children in various ways to frighten or force compliance
• Forced marriage
• Female genital mutilation and ‘honour-based’ violence
• Elder abuse when committed within the family or by an intimate partner.

If you are concerned about your partner’s behaviour (or the behaviour of the partner of a close friend or family member) you have the right to ask the police for a disclosure under Clare’s Law. Find out more, or request a disclosure.

Helplines

Useful websites and resources:

Oldham Council – Specialist Independent Domestic Violence (including honour based violence) service. Telephone 0161 770 1572 (Monday to Friday 9am, to 5pm).

Project Choice provides practical and emotional support to anyone at risk of, or experiencing, so-called honour-based violence, including forced marriage.

Greater Manchester End The Fear – this service provides help, support and advice for anybody experiencing domestic or sexual violence.

Women’s Aid - a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services in England and build a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated.

Rail to Refuge scheme - if you're a woman fleeing domestic abuse, you may be able to get a FREE train ticket which you can use to travel to refuge accommodation.

Safenet - provides refuge accommodation to women and children and also offers safe-houses and outreach support for male and female victims and survivors.