Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is not just physical. It includes controlling, coercive, threatening and degrading behaviour, usually by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.

It can also include:

• financial control
• belittling someone
• isolating them from their friends and family
• making threats to children or pets
• controlling who they see or what they do
• sexual violence

Living with domestic abuse can cause long term emotional as well as physical harm.

Despite the fact that domestic abuse is common, it is under-reported. Some people may not be aware that what is happening to them is domestic abuse. Some people do not tell anyone because they feel ashamed or that in some way it is their fault, but this is never the case.

If you are being abused, you are not alone, and it is not your fault.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and feel unsafe in your home, we can help you with housing advice and support.

Economic abuse is a legally recognised form of domestic abuse. It often takes place in the context of intimate partner violence. It involves the control of a partner or ex-partner’s money, finances and things that money can buy, such as clothing, transport, food and a place to live. 

Your bank may be able to support you to take back control of your finances.

The Banking Support Directory website includes information about the support that some of the major banks and building societies can offer if you have experienced economic abuse. You can also find out more about the Banking Support Directory for economic abuse survivors on YouTube.

There is no legal definition of honour-based abuse or violence. It happens when a family or community believes that an adult has behaved in a way which goes against what they consider to be acceptable behaviour. 

While most often carried out against women and girls, anyone can experience honour-based abuse regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, or gender, including men and boys.

Types of abuse

The nature and range of the abusive behaviour can vary widely and can include criminal offences, such as:

• physical assault
• sexual assault
• hate crime
• controlling or threatening behaviour
• forced marriage
• female genital mutilation
• virginity testing and hymenoplasty
• abduction
• imprisonment
• murder

Honour-based abuse is recognised as a form of domestic abuse.

Where can I get support about honour-based abuse?

• Halo Project - a specialist agency based in Middlesborough which supports individuals and also gives specialist advice to professionals across North Yorkshire - call 01642 683045
• the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website provides information on forced marriage and female genital mutilation
• the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Board website provides further information about honour-based abuse and on safeguarding procedures
• visit the North Yorkshire Police website to find out how to report honour-based abuse

Most victims of domestic abuse are women and girls, but men and boys can also be subjected to abuse.

Abuse happens in heterosexual and same-sex relationships and often continues when a relationship has ended. It can also happen between family members over the age of 16.

It is estimated that at least one in three women and up to one in nine men have been subject to domestic abuse. Studies also show that those most at risk of experiencing abuse in their relationships are:

• young women
• disabled women
• lesbian, gay, bi and trans people

This scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called 'Clare's Law'. Members of the public can also make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member.

Request information under Clare's Law on the North Yorkshire Police website.

If you are experiencing abuse at home, your housing officer may be able to offer support and advice.

Please contact your landlord to organise a meeting or phone call so you can discuss your options. You do not have to put up with the abuse.

If you need help with refuges, emergency accommodation and longer term housing options please visit our Housing advice for those suffering domestic abuse page.

If you are worried about someone else, you can report it to the police on the North Yorkshire Police website.

You can also report domestic violence anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Find guidance on the Independent Domestic Abuse Services website or by phoning their helpline.

If you are over the age of 16 and would like confidential advice to stop domestic abuse you can contact the Foundation charity by emailing foundationdapp@foundationuk.org.

For further information about this domestic abuse perpetrator programme, including local contact details, visit the Foundation website. 

Domestic abuse is everybody's business. The council is working with local partners who have developed a multi-agency abuse strategy which provides clear, shared priorities and commitments.

For further information about the North Yorkshire and City of York Domestic Abuse Strategy visit our North Yorkshire Partnerships website.

• Childline
• +Choices Foundation - free domestic abuse perpetrator change programme
• Citizens advice
• Galop - support for LGBT+ experiencing domestic abuse
• GOV.UK's Forced Marriage Unit - helpline for victims or potential victims of forced marriage
• GOV.UK's domestic abuse - easy read web page, information available in other languages and British Sign Language
• Halo - advice about forced marriage, honour based violence, female genital mutilation
• Hourglass - support for older people
• IDAS - specialist abuse support agency based in Yorkshire
• Karma Nirvana - run the national honour based abuse helpline
• Loving Me - support for trans and non-binary victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence
• Men's Advice Link UK
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline - free 24 hour helpline 
• National Stalking Helpline
• NSPCC
• North Yorkshire Fire Service - help for abuse victims at risk of arson threats
• North Yorkshire Police MARAC - referring those where there is a high risk of serious harm from domestic abuse
• North Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Board provides one minute guides on topics such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation and stalking protection orders, as well as audiobooks on keeping safe from abuse 
• Refuge - support for women and their children affected by domestic abuse
• Relay - helps people with hearing or speech impairment to contact emergency services
• Respect - support for men to stop violence
• Revenge Porn Helpline - support for adults experiencing intimate image abuse
• Sexual Assault Referral Centre - Bridge House
• Surviving Economic Abuse - advice about financial abuse and how banking organisations can provide support
• Vesta - advice for the Polish community
• Victim Support
• Women's Aid