Domestic abuse or violence can happen to anyone. It often happens more than once and tends to get worse over time. Domestic abuse is physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse that takes place in an intimate or family relationship.
Abuse is not just physical, it is often part of a pattern of bullying and controlling behaviour. How do we know whether a family member or close friend is suffering abuse? What are the signs?
General warning signs
People who are being abused may:
Seem afraid of or anxious to please their partner
Go along with everything their partner says and does
Check in often with their partner to report where they are
Receive frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner
Talk about their partner's temper,jealousy, or possessiveness
Warning signs of psychological abuse:
Change of personality – an outgoing person may become withdrawn
They may have low self-esteem, even if they used to be confident
They may show signs of depression or anxiety or have suicidal thoughts
Warning signs of isolation:
Reducing time spent with family and friends due to restrictions put on them
Rarely going out in public with partner
Having limited access to money,credit cards, cars
Warning signs of physical violence:
Have frequent injuries, with constant excuses of "accidents "
Frequently miss work, school, or social occasions without explanation
Dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars, e.g. wearing long
sleeves in the summer or sunglasses indoors.
If you feel you know someone who is going through some form of abuse, express your concerns, try and offer help, listen to them, reassure confidentiality, and support his or her decisions.
Local women only support group
Contact Somshun Nessa, Community Development Worker for Burngreave Healthy Communities Programme:
Telephone 07960 084 119
Domestic Abuse Helpline and support
Sheffield Domestic Abuse Partnership offers a range of support services:
Call the Helpline on 0808 808 2241. The helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Email: help@sheffielddact.org.uk
Punjabi, Urdu and Mirpuri interpreters will be arranged if required.
In an emergency ring 999.