Domestic abuse support

We believe that Domestic Abuse is unacceptable whenever and however it occurs.

We commit to a survivor led approach. This means that survivor views and experiences will inform the service they receive, and they will be able to exercise choice and control.

Domestic Abuse is defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

• Psychological
• Physical
• Sexual
• Financial
• Emotional

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 behaviour.

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.

This definition includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

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• being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends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

See more signs to look for on the Government's website

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

I am experiencing Honour Based abuse and want to know how to get help. 

Karma Nirvana provides advice and support for forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence. View Karma Nirvana - honour based violence advocacy website 0800 599 247.

I am in a forced marriage and want to know how to leave.

The forced marriage survivors handbook provides useful and practical information to help you take control of your life and focus on the future. View the forced marriage survivors handbook

I am being stalked and I want to know where I can get help.

Women's aid have created a stalking leaflet which provides more information including how to stay safe. View leaflet on the Women's aid website

I am from the LGBT+ community and am experiencing Domestic Abuse.

Galop has decades of experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse. The LGBT support handbook includes guidance and information.  View LGBT support handbook

I have been the victim of a criminal offence and want to know what support is out there. 

Victim Support have created a leaflet which details support. View Victim Support leaflet

I am a perpetrator of Domestic Abuse and would like some support to change my behaviour.

Respect.uk have revised their guidance. View guidance on the Respect website 

I am an older person and am experiencing Domestic Abuse. 

Age UK have been working to highlight that domestic abuse can happen at any age. View information on Age UK website

I am from the Traveller community and want support from someone who understands my culture.

Traveller Movement provides support to those experiencing domestic abuse within the traveller community. View more information on the Traveller Movement website

I would like legal advice, so I know my rights. 

If you are suffering from Domestic Abuse and need someone to talk to for advice, Quality Solicitors Parkinson Wright has a designated Domestic Abuse Team led by Suzanne Oldnall.

Suzanne and her team provide legal advice and support including emergency protection orders in relation to both adults and children in Worcester, Droitwich, Kidderminster, Redditch, Evesham and surrounding areas of Worcestershire.

They also have a Domestic Abuse Drop in Centre at Haswell House, St Nicholas, Monday - Friday 9:30am -12pm.

Contact us

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

Wychavon & Malvern Hills provide a 24/7 service and will help you to flee in an emergency. We have out of hours contact details that you can call at any time outside of working hours.

In working hours, you can contact the Housing Options Team on 01386565000 (option 5).

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