What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour, including sexual violence, typically carried out by someone's partner, ex-partner, or family member.
It can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or background.
Domestic abuse can take various forms, including:
Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, choking, or using weapons.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Intimidation, threats, belittling, and manipulation.
Coercive and Controlling Behaviour: Isolating someone from friends and family, monitoring their activities, and restricting access to resources
Financial Abuse: Controlling access to money, preventing someone from working, or exploiting their financial resources.
Sexual Abuse: Any unwanted sexual activity or behaviour.
Digital or “Cyber” Abuse: Using technology to stalk, harass, or control someone.
Signs of domestic abuse may include:
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Feeling afraid of your partner or family member.
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Being isolated from friends and family.
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Having limited access to money or resources.
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Experiencing frequent humiliation or threats.
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Being physically harmed or coerced.
If you or someone you know is experiencing this, it's important to seek help.
If you're in immediate danger, call 999. If you can't speak, press 55 to alert the operator.
Solace in Bexley (SASS)
Solace in Bexley offer 1:1 advocacy, support and safety planning for medium to high risk individuals experiencing domestic abuse. They support people regardless of their sexuality or gender and can take referrals internally, externally and in person.
For more information, please call 0203 198 4659 or email bexley.community@solacewomensaid.org
The Bexley One Stop Shop
Solace's One Stop Shop offers a range of advice under one roof to help victims of domestic abuse.
The service is open every Wednesday from 12:30 pm to 3 pm at Central Library Bexleyheath, Townley Road, DA6 7HJ. Services available include legal representation, domestic abuse specialist support, plus other agencies - such as sexual health - all offering advice on issues concerning domestic abuse.
No appointment is required and all advice is free to anyone visiting the One Stop Shop.
Bexley Women's Aid
Bexley Women’s Aid provides emergency accommodation for women and their children seeking to escape domestic abuse. They are able to accommodate up to five women and their children at any one time.
For more information, please call 0208 301 1536 or email info
National Helplines
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222
National LGBT+ Abuse and Violence Helpline: 0800 999 5428