Domestic abuse and sexual violence

What is domestic abuse and sexual violence?

Domestic abuse, including domestic violence and coercive control

Always call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if a crime is in progress

Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship. It isn't just physical violence – domestic abuse includes emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse.

It includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.

Anybody can experience domestic abuse, but nobody should. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, get help.

Where to get help

There are several organisations who can help if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.

Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service

Phone: 0845 602 9035  
Email: support@gdass.org.uk

If you need somewhere to stay, any of the refuge services will help you

Stroud Beresford Group

Beresford Group (Stroud Women’s Refuge) are a local independent charity that provides Gloucestershire’s only women’s refuge.

Phone: 01453 764 385
Web: http://www.stroudwomensrefuge.org/

Find other domestic abuse support services

Nationwide support services

English National Domestic Violence Helpline

Phone: 0808 200 0247
Web: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)

Phone: 0800 999 5428
Web:www.galop.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line

Tel: 0808 801 0327
Web:www.mensadviceline.org.uk