Domestic Violence and Abuse

Everyone Has The Right To Feel Safe

“The staff in your practice are trained about domestic abuse and specialist workers are available to support you.  Your practice is an ‘IRIS’ practice.  You can talk to doctors, nurses and other staff working here if you are being hurt or controlled by your current or ex-partner, are afraid of someone at home or a member of your family or suffered historic abuse.  You can also contact FearLess 0345 155 1074  and ask to speak to the IRIS worker, Georgina or  ‘IRIS Advocate Educator’.”

Devon Helpdesk:  Team available 9.30 am – 4:30 pm. Tel: 0345 1551074

If you are in an emergency or in crisis for help and support the following services are available

• Emergency Services at 999  Non-emergency 101
• Samaritans at 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website
• Survivors Trust Helpline at 0808 801 0818 or visit the Survivors Trust website
• 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit the Women's Aid website
• Visit the Hub of Hope website 
• Visit the FearLess Support Service
• Visit the Refuge website

What is sexual violence?

• Sexual violence includes rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse

What is domestic abuse?

• PHYSICAL including being hit, kicked or attacked
• SEXUAL having to be sexual when you don’t want to
• EMOTIONAL being called names, put down, made to feel bad or threatened
• FINANCIAL when someone takes or controls your money
• ISOLATION when someone controls who you see and when you go out

What is coercive control?

• Coercive behaviour is an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten victims.
• This might be stopping a partner socialising, controlling their social media accounts, surveillance through apps, dictating what they wear and regulating their everyday behaviour. 
• This might leave someone feeling very isolated away from sources of support, and will often deprive them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape. 
• Coercive or controlling behaviour is now a crime.