Domestic abuse and sexual violence
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic Abuse is defined by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 as the behaviour of a person towards another and that both people are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other and the behaviour is abusive. Abusive behaviour consists of the following:
physical or sexual abuse
violent or threatening behaviour
controlling or coercive behaviour
economic abuse
psychological, emotional or other abuse
Furthermore, it does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse and sexual violence. It can occur in both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ relationships, and can effect anyone, young or old, any ethnicity or sexual identity, any religion and social background.
It is a pattern of behaviour which is motivated by the abuser seeking to establish and maintain power and control over another person.
Abuse doesn't have to be physical, and includes a range of behaviours which will be experienced everyday. It may involve a process of isolating you from family and friends. There are likely to be rules which if broken will result in consequences and this will create a sense of fear which is how the power and control is maintained.
Should you require immediate advice, help, support or guidance, please contact Anglia Care Trust on 0800 977 5690.
For more information about domestic abuse, please visit Suffolk County Council’s domestic abuse and sexual violence webpage here
For more information about services available click here
For information relating specifically to strangulation click here
Podcast:
Click the link below for Teri and Richard’s podcast discussing domestic abuse:
