Did you know that in the year ending March 2020 an estimated 1.6 million women aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse in the last year?
Women represent 2/3 of the victims!!!
Domestic violence (also called domestic abuse) can be defined as a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner, ex-partner, family members or individuals who share parental responsibility for a child.
There is no requirement for the victim and perpetrator to live in the same household.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class.
Recognising domestic violence
Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviours that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.
Do you?
- feel you are being withdrawn or being isolated from your family and friends?
- have bruises, burns or bite marks on you?
- have your finances controlled, for example, by not being given enough money to buy food, medication or pay bills?
- feel you are not allowed to leave your house or you are stopped from going out?
- have your internet use, social media use, texts, emails, letters being monitored?
- feel you are repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless?
- feel pressured into sex or sexual contact?
- feel you are being told that abuse is your fault, or that you?re overreacting?
If you are experiencing any of these, you are being a victim of domestic abuse and you should ask for help immediately.
Incidents are rarely isolated and usually escalate in frequency and severity. It may culminate in serious physical injury or even death.
How to get help
For as frightening as it may seem, you must take the first step and report the abuse.
Gather all your strength and seek help for yourself or for someone you know who is going through it.
Do not be afraid! There is free, confidential support and advice available, such as helplines, apps and local support services.
For more info:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help#get-help-and-support
Always remember NO ONE deserves to be abused
The abuse is not your fault.
You are not alone. #YouAreNotAlone
Written by Carina Rodrigues "Content writer Intern" at Women Flix Ltd
info@womenflix.org
Women Flix, Supporting Women all the way to Success!
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