About Domestic Abuse
Recognising the signs of abuse is the first step.
Domestic abuse isn’t just physical. It includes controlling, coercive, threatening and degrading behaviour, usually by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It can also include financial control, belittling someone, isolating them from their friends and family, making threats to children or pets, controlling who they see or what they do or sexual violence. Living with domestic abuse can cause long term emotional as well as physical harm.
Despite the fact that domestic abuse is common, it is under-reported. Some people may not be aware that what is happening to them is domestic abuse and some people do not tell anyone because they feel ashamed or that in some way it is their fault but this is never the case. If you are being abused, you are not alone, and it is not your fault.
"When we support a victim or survivor, we listen to them and treat them as an individual with their own unique experiences finding the support that is right for them." - Guardian Angel
Anyone can be a victim of abuse and at Guardian Angel, we support every survivor, irrespective of their gender.
It’s estimated that one woman is killed by her male partner or former partner every four days in England and Wales and at least 1 in 3 women and up to 1 in 9 men have been subject to domestic abuse. Whilst young women, disabled women and lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are most at risk of experiencing abuse in their relationships. Studies also show that women are more likely to experience multiple incidents of abuse, different types of domestic abuse, and sexual violence.
We recognise that everyone’s experience of abuse will be different, we understand that society does not treat everyone equally and that there are multiple forms of discrimination and violence that some people can face such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called “honour crimes” which will impact on their experience.
- Have you ever felt afraid of your partner?
- Have you ever changed your behaviour because you're afraid of what your partner might do?
- Do they constantly criticise you or put you down?
- Do they control who you see, where you go, or what you wear?
- Do they control your money or prevent you from working?
- Have they ever threatened you, your children, or your pets?
- Have they ever physically hurt you?
- Have they ever forced you to do something sexual you didn't want to do?
If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are lots of people who can help you.
Visit our Helplines page to find support.