In Suffolk, domestic violence accounts for more than a third of
all violent crime and affects people from all social, economic, and
geographical backgrounds - regardless of age, race, ethnicity,
religious or sexual orientation.
Domestic violence is an issue which the Police and all its
community safety partners take seriously. It is a crime and it
should not be suffered in silence. Please report it so that you can
receive the sensitive support and assistance of those who are
committed to preventing and reducing domestic violence.
Domestic violence and abuse can take many forms, and can happen
repeatedly. It is a cycle of abuse that, if left unchallenged, will
become more frequent and severe. Domestic violence can include
physical, sexual or emotional abuse and could involve some of the
following behaviour:
- actual or threat of physical harm;
- deprivation of food, sleep or money;
- biting, pushing, kicking, punching;
- name calling and verbal threats;
- sexual threats or forced sex;
- use of weapons;
- emotional blackmail;
- isolation from family or friends;
- imprisonment in your own home;
- humiliation or belittlement;
- using your children against you.
Getting help and advice
For comprehensive information and advice on where and how to get
help, visit the specially created
Suffolk Domestic Violence Forum website (new
window).
For emergencies - call the
Police by dialing 999, they will respond,
investigate and assist you. For non-emergencies and advice ring
01473 613500.
National Domestic Violence Helpline:
0808 2000 247 (calls are free)
24 hour
confidential domestic violence helpline for women, children and
their supporters.
Suffolk Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline:
0800 783 5121 (calls are free)
Ipswich Women's Aid (new window) 24
hour helpline : 01473 745111
The Suffolk Domestic Violence Forum website has
a directory of phone numbers and helplines (new
window) of organisations that may be able to help you.
Survivors Stories DVD
The Survivors Stories DVD is a collection of 13 interviews given
by female and male survivors of domestic violence and abuse from
across the UK. It is designed as an educational training tool for
all professionals working with people for whom domestic violence
and abuse is an issue and to publicise the issues and raise
awareness to the community at large. It is hoped that it will
provide a message of hope to any victim who may hear these
interviews.
For more information and to see video clips (new
window) from the DVD go to the Survivors Stories
website.