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Today marks the start of 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence 2024. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. Throughout the next few weeks the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, including partners across Warwickshire, will be raising awareness of Domestic Abuse and how people can get help. Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe, in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, commissions Refuge to deliver an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) service and domestic abuse health educators, who train GP surgery teams and health practitioners and co-locate in hospitals. Domestic violence can come in many different forms: Psychological/emotional abuse: Includes name-calling, threats and manipulation, blaming you for the abuse or ‘gaslighting’ you.Coercive control: When an abuser uses a pattern of behaviour over time to exert power and control. It is a criminal offence.Physical abuse: This isn’t only hitting. They might restrain you or throw objects. They might pinch or shove you and claim it’s a ‘joke’.Tech abuse: They might send abusive texts, demand access to your devices, track you with spyware, or share images of you online.Economic abuse: Controlling your access to money or resources. They might take your wages, stop you working, or put you in debt without your knowledge or consentSexual abuse: This doesn’t have to be physical. They might manipulate, deceive or coerce you into doing things you don’t want to do.How to get help Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 | https://refuge.org.uk/ Men’s Advice Line – specialist support for male survivors: 0808 8010327 | mensadviceline.org.ukGalop – specialist support for LGBT+ survivors: 0800 999 5428 | galop.org.ukKarma Nirvana – support for honour based abuse: 0800 5999 247 | karmanirvana.org.ukNational Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 | suzylamplugh.orgRevenge Porn Helpline: 0345 6000 459 | revengepornhelpline.org.uk |
