Domestic Violence and Abuse

Domestic abuse isn't just physical. It's about someone you know trying to control your life. This could be a partner, ex-partner, or someone in the family. It can be financial, psychological, emotional or sexual.  Living with it can affect long term wellbeing and self-esteem and if children are living in the same house, they will be affected too.

This list may help you to identify whether you are experiencing domestic abuse:

• Are you afraid of your partner?

• Do you feel isolated? Are you cut you off from family and friends?

• Is your partner jealous and possessive? Do they humiliate, criticise or insult you?

• Do they physically hurt you? Do they shove, slap, punch or kick you?

• Have they threatened to hurt you or people close to you?

This is not a complete list - domestic abuse can be a very different experience for each individual.

Anyone can be abused, regardless of their social background, age, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. In issues of Honour Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation, the abuser(s) seek to justify what they are doing for reasons of family honour, culture or traditions.

Read our guide (listed on this page) to recognising and responding to abuse to learn more about domestic violence, the signs of abuse and about local services that can help you and your family.

Local help with issues of domestic abuse and signposting

You can get advice and support by contacting the following numbers and if they can't directly help you; they will be able to give you further details of someone who can.

It is important to call 999 if you are in immediate danger.

• Freephone Nottinghamshire 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline run by Women's Aid Integrated Services (WAIS) - Tel: 0808 800 0340

• Broxtowe Women's Project (North Broxtowe and Stapleford areas) - Tel: 01773 719111

• Midlands Women's Aid (South Broxtowe) - Tel: 0115 925 7647

• Equation (guidance and support for men) - Tel: 0115 960 5556

National sources of help and advice with domestic abuse and signposting

• If you are experiencing violence or abuse in a same-sex relationship you can call Broken Rainbow on 0300 999 5428 (National Helpline)

• Forced Marriage Unit - Tel: +44 (0) 20 7008 0151

Broxtowe Women's Project provide an information and support service for women living in the North of Broxtowe Borough and Stapleford. Please contact 01773 719111 (Mon - Fri 10am - 1pm) or visit Broxtowe Women's Project (Opens in a New Window) for further details.

If you would like to make a referral please contact Broxtowe Women's Project on 01773 718555 or email enquiries@broxtowewp.org

Do you know what your legal options are?

Free legal surgeries will be on offer for women who live in North Broxtowe and Stapleford to access free legal information and advice in cases of domestic violence and abuse. Broxtowe Women's Project are working in partnership with Nelsons Solicitors, family law specialists, sessions will take place every other Wednesday starting on 4^th May 2016 from 9.30 - 2.30pm.

The sessions will offer:

• A private, safe space to talk through concerns

• A chance to find out more about the legal options available

• An opportunity to obtain free legal advice in an emergency situation

• Free impartial legal advice on a range of civil matters

Many of the women who Broxtowe Women's Project support have a number of complex issues that might mean they find it easier to remain in an abusive relationship. These sessions aim to make legal advice and support more accessible to encourage women to move forward with their lives.