Domestic abuse is any violence or abuse that occurs between current and / or former partners in an intimate relationship or family members, wherever the abuse occurs regardless of sexuality, religion, wealth, age, geography or disability.

The abuse may include physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse.  It can also include honour based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

Domestic abuse includes:

• physical and sexual abuse
• living in fear of further abuse
• threats of further abuse or harming the children
• breaking objects, hurting pets, abusive language
• isolating an individual from family and friends
• controlling access to money, being prevented from going to work

Local Safeguarding Children Board: Domestic abuse also affects children living in the survivor's house and there are strong links between domestic abuse and all forms of child abuse. 

Where can my kids go for help?

The Hideout: a website designed specifically for young people who are or have been living with domestic violence

Childline: free national helpline for young people in danger or distress. Tel: 0800 1111

Respect Not Fear: a website for young people to discuss relationships with boyfriends / girlfriends

There is nothing to be ashamed of. Don't keep the violence or abuse a secret. Talk to someone you trust or contact one of the organisations listed at the website below. Getting information and support can help you to cope better and feel less isolated.

Every person's situation is different and you may face many problems with your particular circumstances but these can be overcome. 

Help is there for you

Domestic abuse website: tell a friend or relative or just ask for help, advice, support or assistance please on 0808 2000 247.

You are not alone. Research shows that:

• as many as one in three women and one in six men experience abuse in their relationship
• on average there will have been thirty five assaults before the police are called
• the police receive a call from the public for assistance about domestic abuse every minute in the UK
• domestic abuse claims the lives of 2 women a week

You are not to blame

You are not responsible for the abuse. There is never an excuse for the abuser's behaviour. Domestic abuse is learned and intentional behaviour. Abusers often avoid taking responsibility for their behaviour by blaming the violence on someone or something else. Responsibility lies solely with the abuser.

Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership

• brings together the main statutory and voluntary agencies who are working together to provide and improve services in relation to domestic abuse across Bedfordshire
• is actively implementing the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Strategy and Action Plan which is available to download on their website. The strategy was officially launched in December 2006 at Bedfordshire's first annual Domestic Abuse Conference.