Domestic violence
If you are worried about someone knowing you have visited these web pages please read the internet safety advice on the Women's Aid website.
Remember, if it is an emergency call 999.
Lancashire Victim Services have some advice about self-isolating with an abuser during the coronavirus pandemic.
Local domestic violence support services
Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative (PDVI)
Tel: 01282 726000
Email: pdvi@p-a-c.org.uk
Lancashire Refuges can give immediate support to anyone suffering from domestic abuse.
For children experiencing domestic abuse.
Tel: 01282 619192
Email: the-lookout@p-a-c.org.uk
Tel: 116 123 free from any phone or 01282 694929
Tel: 0300 323 0085
National domestic violence support services
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)
Rape Crisis (England and Wales)
Hourglass - support specifically for harm and abuse to older people
What is domestic violence?
Women's Aid define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. In the majority of cases, the abuse is carried out by a partner or ex-partner, but it can also be a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases, it is experienced by women and is carried out by men. However, it can be experienced by men, and carried out by women.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:
- coercive control - a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence
- psychological and/or emotional abuse
- physical or sexual abuse
- financial or economic abuse
- harassment and stalking
- online or digital abuse
Domestic abuse can also be different forms of family violence against women and girls, including:
- forced marriage
- female genital mutilation
- honour crimes
Those who carry out this type of abuse are primarily family members.
Everyone has the right to be safe in their own home and live free from violence and fear. You may feel humiliated, frightened, ashamed, alone and confused - but you are not to blame.