One woman in four (and one man in six) in the UK will be a victim of domestic violence during their lifetime, according to research estimates. You dont have to be a victim and can get domestic abuse help. Domestic violence is officially classified as “any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality”. We think of domestic violence as hitting, slapping and beating, but it can also include emotional abuse as well as forced marriage and so-called “honour crimes”.

It’s abuse if your partner or a family member:

• threatens you
• shoves or pushes you
• makes you fear for your physical safety
• puts you down, or attempts to undermine your self-esteem
• controls you, for example by stopping you seeing your friends and family
• is jealous and possessive, such as being suspicious of your friendships and conversations
• frightens you

You don’t have to wait for an emergency situation to seek help. You can:

• talk to your doctor, health visitor or midwife
• call 0808 2000 247, the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge (calls from a landline are free)
• in an emergency, call 999
• In Kent and Medway you can go to the Domestic Abuse Support Service website where you can search for services to help inr yo your local area. In addition they have further advice and help on their website: www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk.

For more advice about Domestic Abuse go to the NHS choices Domestic Abuse page by following the link.