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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
More information about services available
Institute for addressing strangulation
Podcast:
Click the link below for Teri and Richard’s podcast discussing domestic abuse:
‘We had enough’: New film gives a voice to young people living with domestic abuse
A powerful new film created in Suffolk is shining a light on the hidden impact of domestic abuse on children and young people. We Had Enough tells the story of a young woman who fled domestic abuse with her mother when she was just 15 years old. Forced to leave behind her home, friends and career plans while preparing for important exams, she found refuge in safe accommodation and turned to poetry to make sense of her experiences. Now aged 21, she has worked with Suffolk County Council and RESTORE to transform that poem into a short film designed to reach other young people who may be experiencing abuse at home or in their own relationships. The film carries a simple but important message: you are not alone, what is happening is not your fault, and support is available.
Cia, who features in the film, said:
“It's time to make a real stand to end violence and abuse. I'm so proud to be part of this campaign, trying new things to make a real difference. Please speak up, share and do your part. Enough is Enough.”
Children who see, hear or experience the effects of domestic abuse are recognised as victims in their own right under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, yet their voices are often unheard.
In Suffolk, young people account for some of the highest proportions of victims of sexual violence, while people aged 18 to 29 represented a quarter of all domestic abuse investigations recorded by Suffolk Police in 2025, despite making up just over 12% of the county's population.
These figures are also likely to represent only a fraction of abuse taking place, as both domestic abuse and sexual violence remain heavily under-reported.
Cllr June Mummery, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for coastal affairs, communities and public health, said:
“No child should have to live in fear in their own home. Yet for too many children and young people, domestic abuse is part of their everyday life. They see and hear things no young person should ever have to experience, and the effects of the abuse can stay with them for the rest of their lives.
“It takes enormous courage to share a personal story like this. I hope this film will help others understand that they are not alone and that there is hope, help and a way forward.”
Katherine Ahluwalia, Principal Operations Manager at RESTORE, said:
“We are delighted to be part of this collaborative project and, importantly, to help amplify the voices of young people who have experienced domestic abuse. Our Young Ambassador is an extraordinary young woman who has shared her experiences with remarkable courage and a profound understanding of the far-reaching impact abuse has on young people.
“We are incredibly proud to contribute to this powerful initiative, which highlights the importance of survivors reaching out and accessing the professional support they need. By sharing these voices and experiences, we hope to encourage more young people to seek help and know that they are not alone."
The project forms part of Suffolk County Council's work to tackle violence against women and girls, and to ensure the experiences of children and young people help shape future support services. The campaign has been developed in partnership with RESTORE.
Anyone affected by domestic abuse can access support through the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 977 5690, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or through the online live chat service at www.suffolkdahelpline.org.uk