What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse refers to a pattern of abusive behaviour within a relationship, involving partners or ex-partners or family members. It can take various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and intimidation.
Physical abuse may involve acts that cause physical harm or injury. Emotional abuse are acts aimed at diminishing the victim's self-worth. Sexual abuse refers to any form of non-consensual sexual act or behaviour. Financial abuse involves controlling or denying access to financial resources, leaving the victim dependent on the abuser.
Domestic violence can have severe and long-lasting impacts on victims, including physical injuries and psychological trauma. It is a serious issue that affects individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age or gender.
How to report domestic abuse?
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can report it by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, or by visiting the North Wales Police crime reporting webpage here.
When you report domestic abuse, you will be speaking with professionals who are trained to handle such sensitive situations. They understand the complexities of domestic abuse and can provide the necessary support and guidance.
Support for victims of domestic abuse
For individuals who have been impacted by domestic abuse, our commissioned services provide help and support:
Domestic Abuse Safety Unit North Wales: DASU is an organisation that provides professional coordinated and targeted interventions to people experiencing domestic abuse across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.
Live Fear Free: The LFF helpline provides help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence
Bawso: Bawso provides practical and emotional prevention, protection and support services to Black Minority Ethnic (BME) and migrant victims of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage, Honour Based Violence, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC): Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales provides information, specialist support and therapy to anyone aged 3 and over who has experienced any kind of sexual abuse or violence either recently or in the past. RASASC also provide specialist support and therapy to partners and family members of those who have been affected by sexual abuse and violence.
Gorwel: A business unit within Grŵp Cynefin housing association that provides quality services to support people suffering domestic abuse. Gorwel work with individuals and families, including tenants of Grŵp Cynefin, within four counties in north Wales: Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire.