Adult Support
What is Domestic Abuse?
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 by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- 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.”
Local Domestic Abuse support services
Be Free
Range of specialist support for adults in Pendle and Rossendale affected by domestic abuse, including a confidential helpline, adults and children’s community support and emergency safe accommodation.
Call: 01282 227649 Email: befree@p-a-c.org.uk
DASSL
Domestic Abuse Support Services Lancashire
Organisation providing immediate support for victims of domestic abuse across Lancashire, with a free 24/7 helpline.
Call: 0300 3033 581 Email: contact@DASSL.org.uk
Lancashire Victim Support
Victim Support is a charity that provides free, independent and confidential support to anyone affected by crime and traumatic events. Our aim is to empower victims of domestic violence and abuse to regain control of their lives and strengthen their safety, independence and autonomy.
Call: 0808 16 89 111
Safenet
Safenet supports victim-survivors of domestic abuse through safe accommodation and support services.
Call: 0300 3033 581 Email: contact@safenet.org.uk
Paladin
Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service is a trauma-informed service established in 2013, to assist high risk victims of stalking in England and Wales.
Call: 020 3866 4107
Loving Me
Support for Trans and Non-Binary victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Call: 07902478958
Samaritans - Pendle
Providing a safe space via a phone call, for those in need of emotional support.
Call: 116 123 free from any phone.
Victim Care Lancashire
Specially trained Victim Care Advisers are available to provide free, confidential and non-judgmental support and practical help for all victims of crime.
Call: 01772 410410
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call for free, confidential advice and support, 24 hours a day.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid
National Charity working to end domestic abuse and violence against women and children.
Mankind
Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. Lines are open Monday – Friday: 10am – 4pm.
Call: 0808 800 1170
Men’s Advice Line
Domestic abuse helpline for men.
Call: 0808 801 0327
Rape Crisis England and Wales
Feminist charity working to end child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and all other forms of sexual violence.
Forced Marriage Unit
Find out more about forced marriage and how to report it.
SafeLives
Working with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse, at a local, national and societal level.
Hourglass
Ending harm, abuse and exploitation of older people in the UK.
Call: 0808 808 8141 (24/7 helpline)
You deserve to feel safe, respected and free from abuse. There is help, hope and a way forward—please don’t suffer in silence.