Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, religion, sexuality or ethnicity.
It’s important to recognise the signs of abuse to protect yourself and your family.
Domestic abuse includes:
- Physical abuse: this includes violent attacks, throwing objects, holding you down or pushing you
- Coercive control: isolating you from friends and family, meaning you have to rely on your abuser
- Sexual abuse: this includes manipulating you into doing things you don’t want to do, in addition to physical sexual attacks
- Psychological abuse: this includes calling you names, making threats, manipulating you or blaming you for the abuse you are experiencing
- Economic abuse: controlling your money or your ability to work or forcing you into debt
- Tech abuse: sending abuse messages, tracking you, sharing images of you online or demanding to view your devices.
Reporting abuse
You can call us on 0330 303 2222.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are in danger, you can call 999 without speaking and press 55, or tapping or coughing into the phone and police will attend.
Confidential Support in a Safe Space
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible when talking to us. If you need a confidential conversation, we can provide a safe and private space that works best for you.
This could be:
- At our Cobalt office
- A local community venue
- In your home
- (Depending on location) at a friend or relative’s home
- Via Microsoft Teams or a telephone call
Your Privacy Matters
Any disclosure you make will be treated in confidence. We will only take further action with your expressed permission, unless:
- There is a risk of harm to a person
- A court order has been breached
- A criminal activity has taken place
We are here to support you if you are experiencing domestic abuse, or if you are worried that someone living in a Cobalt home is being abused.
Further support
There is lots of support available if you are experiencing domestic abuse or are worried that someone is.
Support of perpetrators of domestic abuse
We are here to support victims of domestic abuse. However, we also understand that perpetrators of domestic abuse need support as well.
If you are worried that abusive behaviour is affecting your relationship or negatively impacting your family, visit Respect Phoneline or call 0808 802 4040.