Well being

Domestic violence / abuse

(This information is relevant to men and women who are experiencing an abusive relationship)

Is this about you?

• Have you been attacked or threatened by your partner or any member of your family?
• Have you been prevented from seeing your family or friends, denied money, locked in or out, or continuously assaulted?
• The abuse or assault may have taken place in your own home, on the street or elsewhere.  It may have happened once or twice or have been going on for years.
• You may feel trapped and powerless, and that there is nothing that you can do.

You are not the only one and you are not to blame.  You do not have to put up with violence or abuse.  You can change your situation.

What is domestic violence / abuse?

Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse, between adults who are married or who have lived together, or partners, or other family members, irrespective of gender.

Domestic violence/abuse can include:

• Physical abuse – hitting, pushing, bullying, bruising, slapping, kicking etc.
• Psychological abuse – shouting and swearing at, persistent and deliberate undermining, threatening bullying, insulting, humiliating.
• Financial or material abuse – illegal or improper use of a person’s property, i.e. with-holding money or other belongings.
• Sexual abuse – sexual activity where the other person does not or is forced to give consent.
• Effects on children – if you are worried, you can talk to your Health Visitor, GP, Social Services or Refuge Project .

What you can do…

• Call the police – If you or a member of your family, are being attacked or threatened in the home or elsewhere, dial 999 and tell the operator that you are in danger.
• Contact your nearest refuge project – they can give you support and practical information.  You do not need to leave home or go into a refuge to get help from them.
• Do not keep the assault a secret – It is not your fault. Do seek help.  Your GP or Casualty Department, as well as providing treatment, will record your injuries and may provide evidence if you decide to take your abuser to court.
• Seek legal advice – a woman’s refuge, or the Citizens Advice Bureau, can give you a list of solicitors who carry out Legal Aid work.
• Break Your Isolation – Increase contact with others and get help.

Useful contacts

CRI Domestic Abuse Project

Provides information and support to women, men and children who are living with domestic abuse issues.  They can help you find out about housing, health, legal issues and benefit entitlements and put you in touch with other organisations that can help.  They offer a drop-in service, one-to-one sessions and other forms of support.  They will not pressurise you to take action.  If you want them to they can help you explore possible choices.  You might just want to talk things through with someone who is unbiased and will not make judgements.  Whatever your needs, you are welcome to use their free and confidential service.

3 Cambridge Gardens, Hastings 01424 716629 (Also have venues in Battle, Bexhill, Camber, Rye, Sidley and Ticehurst.)

Open Monday to Friday 9-5, Help-line available 12-6pm weekends.

Threshold Women’s Mental Health Initiative

14 St Georges Place, Brighton, BN1 4GB  - Freephone ‘Women and Mental Health Infoline’ 0808 808 6000

www.thresholdwomen.org.uk

E-mail admin@thresholdwomen.org.uk

Xtrax

Xtrax is a 16-25 yr old young people’s centre right in the centre of Hastings town centre.  It’s a safe place to relax and chill out but you can also get advice and support from their trained staff.  You can find them right behind the main post office.

Support with….

• Sexual health
• Housing
• Substance Use
• Parenting
• Benefits
• Self Harm
• Relationships
• Pregnancy Testing
• Access to free phone
• Cheap Meals
• Pool
• DJ Decks
• Chill out and watch Sky TV
• A place to meet friends
• Free showers
• Use of washing machines
• Free internet access

Contact Xtrax on 01424 722524

>> Next - youth development service - health project >>