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Across our district we have also seen a rise in incidents and people seeking help during the pandemic.

It is not always obvious someone is being abused. People may try to hide what is happening to them or be in denial.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is not always physical. It can also include:

  • Coercive control and ‘gaslighting’. View gaslighting definition.
  • Economic abuse
  • Online abuse
  • Threats and intimidation
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse

Look for the signs of domestic abuse

These are just some of the signs someone may be being abused:

  • Being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends
  • Having bruises, burns or bite marks
  • Having finances controlled, or not being given enough money to buy food or pay bills
  • Not being allowed to leave the house, or being stopped from going to college or work
  • Having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails, or letters
  • Being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
  • Being pressured into sex
  • Being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting

Learn more signs to look for on the Government's website.

What to do if you are being abused and you need help

If you believe that you, or someone you know, may be a victim of domestic abuse then it is important you know that help is available.

Here are some organisations you can contact:

View National Domestic Abuse Helpline website. Free confidential support, 24 hours a day, for victims and those who are worried about friends/loved ones. Call on 0808 2000 247.

View West Mercia Women’s Aid website: Free 24-hour helpline for support, advice and information on your options 0800 980 3331.

Worcestershire Male Domestic Abuse helpline. Available to all Men experiencing or witnessing Domestic Abuse. Available on 0800 980 331 Tuesday 11am to 3pm or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mankind Initiative (opens in new window). A confidential support helpline for me. 01823 334244.

DAWN Project (opens in new window). If you need additional support with housing benefits, support at family court or social care. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

JOY Project (opens in new window). Offering new skills, empowerment, confidence and resilience through mentoring volunteering and skills based courses. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Victim Support (opens in new window) Can provide emotional and practical help to support you if you have been a victim of domestic abuse. 01905 726896.

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (opens in new window). Free confidential and non-judgemental support for all survivors of domestic abuse. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Karma Nirvana. Advice and support for forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence. 0800 599 247.

National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline. Advice and support if you are in an LGBT relationship and experiencing domestic abuse. 0300 999 5428.

Report domestic abuse

If you are being abused, then you should report it to police by calling 101. If you are in immediate danger, then call 999.

If you are in danger and can’t talk then listen to questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing and tapping on the handset.

If you call from a mobile and are in danger and cannot speak, then dial 55 when prompted.

Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance

We are committed to helping victims of domestic abuse and raising awareness of the signs and the help available.

That’s why we are applying for Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accreditation, which sets the gold standard for how housing providers should support people experiencing domestic abuse.

Read more about the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance.