Domestic Abuse

Definition of domestic abuse

The Government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:

'Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

psychological
physical
sexual
financial
emotional

'Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.'

The Government definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called 'honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council are committed to tackling domestic abuse by increasing awareness, promoting good practice and improving support for victim survivors and their families.

New Era provides free and confidential round-the-clock advice and support for anyone in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent affected by domestic abuse - regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender or location. The 24-hour confidential helpline for victims is: 0300 303 3778 and there’s a live chat facility via its website.

The confidential helpline for perpetrators is: 01785 601690.

Helpline numbers:-

Staffordshire Police – non-urgent number 101
In emergency dial 999

Child line – 0800 11 11

Broken Rainbow (LGBT) – 0800 999 5428 (freephone)

SAVANA sexual violence and rape support service – 01782 433205

Male victims – 01782 683702 (9am-5pm) or helpline Tuesday 4.30pm-6.30pm

Refuges - a safe place to stay :-
Elizabeth House, Newcastle – 01782 713737

Potteries Women’s Refuge – 01782 822885

Refuge – 01332 200027 (specifically for Asian women)

Websites and other useful numbers :-
Newcastle Housing Advice - 0345 850 9698 Newcastle Housing Advice website

Karma Nirvana – 0800 5999 247
'Honour' based abuse and forced marriage Karma Nirvana