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Find the nearest to meDomestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is much more common than people think; one in four women and one in six men will experience it at some point in their lives. It can happen to anyone, in all types of relationships, regardless of gender, race, ethnic or religious group, class, disability, sexuality, lifestyle, nationality or age. it's rarely a one-off occurrence, but usually a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour.
The abuse can be, but not limited to:
- 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, intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim".
Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Services (SIDAS)
SIDAS is the commissioned specialist support service for domestic abuse in Somerset, providing support to men, women and children who are affected by domestic abuse.
Freephone helpline - 0800 69 49 999 - access for all (victims, perpetrators, family & friends, and professionals) or 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 and ask for advice in confidence.
Full information on SIDAS and their services can be found on the Somerset Survivors
Safe Places
Have been established for people experiencing domestic abuse and need to access help whilst out and about. These have a range of purposes, from providing direct support, or helping to gain free and easy access to local or national helplines - this includes the "Ask for ANI" scheme for use within pharmacies. Up to date information about the provision of safe places in Somerset can be found here