Domestic Abuse

• is controlling, coercive, threatening, violent or abusive
• happens between people aged over 16

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to men or women. It includes the following types of abuse:

• psychological
• physical
• sexual
• financial
• emotional

Domestic violence and abuse can include harassment, stalking, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based abuse. It can also include trafficking.

If you’ve been affected:

If you are the victim of an abusive relationship, you might want to:

• find somewhere safe to stay
• stay in your home and get the person who is harming you to leave
• report the violence to the police
• get a court order to stop your abusive partner from harming or threatening you
• take legal action
• get help from a charity or another organisation

Whatever you want to do, there are organisations that can give you advice and help.

Finding somewhere safe to stay:

You may need somewhere safe to stay, either alone or with your children. You could:

• stay at home – if you think this is safe
• stay with relatives or friends
• stay in a refuge
• get emergency accommodation from the local authority under homeless persons law – this will usually mean a bed and breakfast hostel
• get privately rented accommodation.

How Do I report an incident of adult abuse?

• If you suspect someone is in immediate risk, harm or danger, please telephone the Police on 999
• Alert  IOWCC Adult Social Care as soon as possible by calling the Safeguarding Team on  or by email
• If you are suffering because of domestic abuse or know someone who is you can call the ‘You First’ freephone helpline:  or email 

Other Helpful Links:

• IWC Covid update on support available right now
• You First Service run by You Trust who run the refuge, helpline and normally provide outreach
• Citizens Advice IOW Article
• – formerly the Women’s Refuge, supports women who are experiencing difficult times in their lives.