Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial and committed by an intimate partner or family member

If you are forced to alter your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner or family member’s reaction, you are being abused.

The Home Office (March 2013) defines domestic abuse as:

“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or are or who have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

  • Psychological
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Emotional

Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”

This definition includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

What support is available?

Sefton Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) Team can:

  • offer free crisis intervention support to high risk victims of domestic abuse.
  • provide practical help including safety planning for the whole family, support through the Criminal Justice System, and home security checks.
  • work with male and female victims aged 16+
  • work with victims even if they chose to remain in their relationship.

Our team is available:  Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

You can contact us by:

Phone: 0151 934 5142

Email: IDVA.Team@sefton.gov.uk - please note this is not a secure email address

Who to contact

Telephone
0151 934 5142 0151 934 5142
E-mail
Website
https://www.sefton.gov.uk/

Where to go

Address
Social Care Customer Access Team,
FREEPOST LV7340
Bootle
Merseyside
Postcode
L20 1YX
View L20 1YX on a map Get directions to L20 1YX

Last Updated

Last updated: 29/11/2023

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