Domestic Violence A self help guideThis booklet is for anyone who is affected by domestic abuse, whether they are male or female, gay or straight, young or old. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, occupation or social class. Because the majority of people experiencing domestic abuse are female, we have tended to use the pronoun ‘she’, but most of the information in this booklet applies to both men and women.
Contents:
Introduction
What is domestic abuse?
Who is this booklet for?
How might it help me?
How common is domestic abuse?
Who is likely to be a victim of domestic abuse?
Why might I find it difficult to believe that what I am experiencing is domestic abuse?
Why don’t people always seek help or support?
What sort of thoughts may stop someone seeking help or leaving?
What do people think about domestic abuse?
Has my own behaviour changed to try and cope with the abuse?
What other problems might I have?
If my partner only does these things occasionally, am I still being abused?
If domestic abuse is affecting me, who can I tell?
What do people who have experienced abuse say they find helpful?
What do people who have experienced abuse say they found unhelpful?
What can I do to deal with the abuse?
How can I keep myself safe?
How can I plan to be safer during a violent incident?
How can I plan to be safer when preparing to leave home?
Do people manage to stop domestic abuse?
Who do I contact if I need help?
Useful organisations
Useful books
References
