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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is widely recognised as a month to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence in our society and what can be done to stop it. It is a problem in every culture, religion and race and it can take place in many different forms, which is why raising awareness is so important.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is classified as any type of violent behaviours that takes place between people who are in (or have been in) an intimate relationship, family members or those who live together (cohabitants). It is not limited to any one type of abuse and can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse.
For more information on what other forms of abuse can look like, please visit our previous articles below, which discuss these in more depth:
What support is available for victims?
Whilst we at Johnson Astills can offer you legal advice and support, there is a wide range of support services out there for victims of domestic abuse, who can offer support in additional ways, such as housing, welfare, keeping safe and signposting you and making referrals to other agencies.
Many professionals, such as the police, GPs, health visitors and teachers can offer you advice and put you in touch with specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence support services. A few local organisations who can offer support to victims, include:
- Living Without Abuse – Helpline – 0808 80 200 28 (Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm); or alternatively you can complete their contact form via the following link: https://lwa.org.uk/contact-lwa/
- The Adam Project – who are dedicated to supporting male victims who are living in Leicestershire – Helpline: 07912 495 159
- Women’s Aid Leicester – 0116 283 2225
How can Johnson Astills help?
If you or someone you know is being subjected to domestic abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence and Abuse Department (DVAD) for expert advice as to what protective measures are available to you. We can also offer your expert advice in relation to how you can protect your children, if this is something you are concerned about. You can contact Johnson Astills via our online enquiry form or by calling on 0116 255 4855.
Who can I talk to?
If you would like to access support over the phone, you can call:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 – www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ (run by Refuge)
- The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
- The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
- Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123