Domestic violence

Domestic violence affects people of every class, age, race, disability, gender and sexuality.

The violence can begin at any stage of a relationship and may continue after the relationship has ended.

Children are often at risk of harm in families affected by domestic violence – whether from being abused directly or from what they witness.

The violence may involve:

• physical abuse
• sexual assault and threats
• making someone feel worthless
• not letting them have any money
• not allowing them to leave home
  

Social isolation and emotional abuse can have as long-lasting effects as those of physical violence.

Find out more about protecting children from domestic violence

Worried about the effect of violence on your children?

How can I keep my child safe?

Counselling

Threats of further violence?

Refugees

Further advice and information

Worried about the effect of violence on your children?

Here are some examples of how children can be affected by domestic violence:

• children can themselves be physically abused
• witnessing the violence can be damaging
• children often try to protect the adult victim, which puts them in danger
• children can copy violent behaviour, both as children and as adults
• they can develop stress-related illnesses
• they can lose confidence, be afraid and angry, and blame themselves for events.

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How can I keep my child safe?

It's really important to take action to protect yourself and your children. You may worry that seeking help means your children will be taken into care. This is very rare and only happens in the most serious cases. Talk to your children about how they feel.

You can also get support from the NSPCC Helpline , or any of the other services listed at the bottom of the page.

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Counselling

You may be experiencing violence at home but want to stay with your partner to try and resolve matters. There are organisations that can offer counselling to you as a couple, and there are also a few that offer counselling to violent partners.

Alcohol and drug abuse can make domestic violence worse. The names of some counselling services that specialise in substance misuse are given in our list of useful addresses below.

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Threats of further violence

Victims of domestic violence may be frightened that if they seek help the violence will get worse. The Family Law Act 1996 provides protection for victims of domestic violence and their children. You have the right to be protected and live in a safe environment with your children – and there are services, like refuges, that can help you do so.

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Refuges

If you do decide to leave your partner there are places where you and your children can go in an emergency. Women's Aid offers a safe refuge and ongoing support to families fleeing violence. If any of this has happened, or is happening, to you and you need someone to talk to then call the NSPCC Helpline on: 0808 800 5000 . We're open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and calls are free. We offer immediate help and advice to thousands of callers every year.

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Further advice and information

NSPCC Helpline
Our 24 hour, seven day a week, free helpline. We are here to help. Advice also available in Bengali, Gujurati, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh.

Tel: 0808 800 5000 | Email: Helpline@nspcc.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline
A 24-hour freephone number which provides access to emergency refuge accommodation, as well as an information service. It joins together the Women's Aid Federation helpline and the Refuge National Crisis Line in a single service.

Tel: 0808 2000 247

Women's Aid Helpline
Advocates on behalf of abused women and children and provides services and support including refuge accommodation.

Tel: 0808 2000 247 | Website:www.womensaid.org.uk  

The Hideout
The Hideout is the first national website to support children and young people living with domestic violence as well as those who may want to help a friend. The site informs children and young people about domestic violence and helps them identify whether it is happening in their home.

Website: www.thehideout.org.uk .

Refuge Helpline
Refuge is the UK's largest single provider of safe accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence.

Tel: 0808 2000 247 | Website:www.refuge.org.uk  

Scottish Women's Aid
Information about Scottish local support groups and refuge serviceContact the head office via the email form on their website: the website gives the numbers of local groups.

Website: www.scottishwomensaid.co.uk

Welsh Women's Aid / Cymorth I Fenywod Helpline
Information about Welsh local support groups and refuge services.

Tel: 08 08 80 10 800 | Website:www.welshwomensaid.org  

Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation Helpline
Provides refuge and support to women and children suffering harassment in the home.

Tel: 028 9033 1818 | Website:www.niwaf.org  

M.A.L.E (Men's Advice Line Enquiries) Helpline
A helpline service for men experiencing domestic violence. Open 10 am - 9 pm on Mondays, 10 am - 5pm from Tuesday to Thursday. A confidential 24-hour answerphone service is available at all other times.

Tel: 0845 064 6800

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