Introduction
If you are worried about yourself or someone else, our local, confidential helpline can help anyone seeking advice on domestic abuse. This includes relatives, friends, work colleagues, and even those who are causing harm.
Speak to us on 0800 69 49 999. Our phone line is available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
Or visit Somerset Domestic Abuse
More about domestic abuse
The Somerset Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment 2021 found that around 78,330 people in Somerset have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their lives. Each year, about 23,960 individuals face domestic abuse, including both family-related and intimate partner violence.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 created a legal definition of domestic abuse. In summary, domestic abuse is where:
- both the person who is carrying out the behaviour and the person to whom the behaviour is directed towards are aged 16 years or over
- both persons are “personally connected” (including ex-partners and family members)
You do not have to be living with the person who is being abusive to you.
Children who see, hear, or experience the effects of domestic abuse and are related to either the person being abused or the person causing harm are now legally recognised as victims in their own right. This recognition applies regardless of whether the child is present during a violent incident, as they will still experience the effects of the abusive relationship through the tone, words, and actions used.
There are many types of behaviours that can form domestic abuse, these may include:
- Physical harm
- Sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological or emotional
- Stalking and harassment
Abuse can occur in many ways, including face-to-face, in writing or online.