Domestic abuse is the abuse of someone within an intimate or family relationship. It is the repeated, random and continued use of intimidation to control another person – usually a partner, ex-partner or other family member.
Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, economical, sexual, or a combination of these. Anyone forced to alter their behaviour because they’re frightened of their (ex) partner, or family member’s reaction is being abused.
Domestic abuse also includes so-called ’Honour-based' abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation (16+ years)
Domestic Abuse Advice
You can speak to a specialist officer the same day if you contact us during working hours, or first thing the next working day.
If you would like to meet in person, we can offer a private, confidential interview room, the choice of talking to a man or woman, and interpretation services if necessary.
There are a number of choices we may be able to offer you if you report domestic abuse to us, including:
► Referral to specialist domestic abuse services
Including the Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, Women's Aid and the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline
See below for more resources.
► Referral to a Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference
So that a team of professionals can support you and liaise with us to keep you safe
► Target hardening measures
We can make your home more secure, such as installing extra door locks, window locks or spyholes, security lights and - in some cases - installing doorbell cameras to ensure you can remain in your home and feel safe doing so.
► Providing information, advice and guidance
If you are suffering domestic abuse, our specialist team can discuss the options that are available to you.
If you need information, advice or support:
- endthefear.co.uk: services and information for people experiencing domestic abuse and for professionals; its Manchester’s multi-agency Domestic Abuse website
- Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline: Tel 0800 254 0909 or email helpline@independentchoices.org.uk. This is a free, confidential line, whose staff can provide advice, help you formulate a safety plan, and access refuge spaces across the country. Advice is also available in Urdu and Punjabi.
- Saheli Asian Women’s Project: (Saheli meaning friend) safe spaces, culturally sensitive support, language assistance, and a voice and identity to Black Asian and minority women facing violence in their lives.
- Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 Help and advice for male victims of domestic abuse.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours a day)
- Manchester's Women's Aid: 0161 660 7999 info@manchesterwomensaid.org Vital support services to those suffering from domestic violence and abuse.
- disrespectnobody.co.uk: if you are concerned about your own behaviour, and worry that you already are, or could become abusive, get support now.
