Domestic abuse and violence

Have you been affected by domestic abuse or violence?

Domestic abuse is when someone uses abusive behaviour to control you, frighten you, or have power over you. It often happens repeatedly over time and can occur in many different kinds of relationships.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, age or background. It most commonly affects women and is most often carried out by men, but people of any gender can experience abuse.

Domestic abuse can happen in relationships where people are married, living together, dating, or have separated. It can also happen within families, including child-to-parent abuse or abuse between siblings.

Abuse isn’t always physical. It can take many different forms.

Types of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse may include:

Psychological or emotional abuse – Being insulted, humiliated, threatened or manipulated. This can include blaming you for the abuse or making you doubt your own memories or feelings (sometimes called gaslighting).

Economic or financial abuse – Controlling your access to money or resources. This might include taking your wages, stopping you from working or putting you in debt without your knowledge or consent.

Sexual abuse – Any sexual activity that happens without your consent. This can include rape, sexual assault, being pressured or manipulated into sexual acts, or being forced to dress or behave in sexualised ways.

Coercive or controlling behaviour – A pattern of behaviour used to dominate or control you over time. This may involve threats, intimidation, humiliation, isolation or violence.

Physical abuse – Any form of physical harm, such as hitting, pushing, restraining, throwing objects or preventing you from accessing medication, mobility aids or care you need.

Technology or digital abuse – Using technology to control, harass or monitor you. This may include sending abusive messages, demanding access to your devices, tracking you with spyware or sharing images of you online without your consent.

How to get help safely

If you’re in immediate danger, call 999.

If you can’t speak when calling emergency services from a mobile phone, you can use the Silent Solution by pressing 55 when prompted.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the textphone service 18000 to contact emergency services.

For advice and support:

Call us on 0800 876 6155.

Our opening hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8am – 6pm
• Wednesday: 8am – 8pm
• Saturday: 9am – 5pm
• Sunday: closed

If the person harming you checks your phone, computer or internet history, they may be able to see that you’ve been looking for help. This could put you at greater risk.

Before you contact any service, think about whether it’s safe to do so on your current device.

Safer ways to get help include:

• Call from a phone the person harming you doesn’t have access to – like a friend’s phone, a work phone or a public phone
• Visit a trusted friend or family member and use their computer
• Use a public computer at a library
• Delete your internet history after looking at support websites (but be aware this might raise suspicion if you normally don’t delete your history)
• Memorise important phone numbers so you don’t need to save them

Refuge has detailed guidance on technology-facilitated abuse and how to make your devices safer.

Specialist domestic abuse services:

Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline – Provides confidential help, advice and support for people affected by domestic abuse in Greater Manchester.
Phone: 0800 254 0909

Independent Choices – Runs the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline. You don’t have to give your name. The helpline is a safe space to talk about what is happening and explore your options.

Refuge – The UK’s largest domestic abuse organisation supporting women.
Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline)
Live chat available on their website

Saheli – Provides refuge accommodation, specialist counselling and support for Black, Asian and minoritised women.

Men’s Advice Line (Respect)
Support and advice for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Phone: 0808 801 0327

LGBT Foundation – Provides dedicated domestic abuse support for LGBTQ+ people, including support for honour-based abuse, forced marriage, stalking and coercive control.

Galop– Specialist support for LGBTQ+ people, including support for honour-based abuse, forced marriage, stalking and coercive control.
Phone: 0800 999 5428 
Email: help@galop.org.uk

Manchester Women’s Aid – Provides refuge accommodation, community-based support and safe spaces for survivors.

If you’re worried about your own behaviour

If you’re concerned about your behaviour towards a partner or family member, support is available to help you make changes.

Respect offers confidential advice for people who want help to stop harmful or abusive behaviour.

Phone: 0808 802 4040