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This is a page to support anyone who has experienced abuse, or cares for someone who has been abused. Below you will find specific resources and content to support, inform or inspire you.
What Is Abuse?
Abuse happens when someone purposely causes us harm or distress. It can take many forms, ranging from being rude or offensive to someone verbally, to causing someone physical or mental pain. It can occur in someone's home, in a professional setting, a hospital, or a public place. Often the people who commit abuse are taking advantage of a special relationship, abuse can – but doesn’t always – occur in intimate relationships, including marriage. It often continues post-separation too. Abuse can also occur in relationships such as parent/carer to child, adult child to parent/carer, and other family dynamics.
It's important to understand that anyone can become a victim of abuse regardless of age or gender, and those that are experiencing it are not to blame.
Types of abuse can include:
Physical abuse
Psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Verbal abuse
Elder abuse
Financial abuse
Emotional abuse
Technological abuse (using technology like social media, smartphones, chatrooms etc to threaten, intimidate or coerce someone)
Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, manipulation, humiliation and/or threats)
The Impact of Abuse
Abuse can have a devastating effect on individuals and wider families. Victims of abuse can experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, inability to trust others, flashbacks, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and emotional detachment. If you are suffering from some of the consequences of abuse, we hope you will find some support here, and ideas and tips for moving forward and improving your wellbeing. If you love or care for someone who has been abused, perhaps you will find some helpful content here to help support that person.
Get Inspired
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Helplines
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Helpful Resources
Consider if you'd like to browse privately: These resources often link to external Websites like YouTube, or Amazon for example, which save certain information about your browsing history. If you'd like to check out these resources but you'd like to keep your browsing private or are concerned for your safety, please consider using incognito mode - this will allow you to view all content without the risk of exposing your browsing history.
Some pharmacies and jobs and benefits offices are taking part in the Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) scheme which can help people who are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help. (Webpage)
The safety initiative ‘Ask for Angela’ is being rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses across Northern Ireland, it's for anyone who is feeling unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help. (Webpage)
Operation Encompass is a partnership between the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Safeguarding Board Northern Ireland, the Education Authority and schools aimed at supporting children who witness domestic violence or abuse in the home. (Webpage)
Respect Phoneline Freephone 0808 8024040 is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them. (Website)
More Coming Soon... Do you have any suggestions? If so, let us know by Joining The Conversation at the bottom of this page!
Sue Penna - The Recovery Toolkit: A 12 week plan to support your journey from Domestic Abuse (Amazon.co.uk)
More Coming Soon... Do you have any suggestions? If so, let us know by Joining The Conversation at the bottom of this page!
Videos
Domestic Abusing Is Happening - Crimestoppers UK want to encourage you to learn the signs to spot, so that if you do see or hear something, you can speak up and tell us what you know.
Hidden In Plain Sight - Coercive Control & Domestic Abuse - By telling personal stories, the animation from Scottish Women's Aid aims to engage the viewers to understand that coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that happens over time, has long-term consequences and distorts reality for the victims.
Coercive Control - Where Is The Line? - Coercive control is at the core of all ongoing abuse, it is the systematic pattern of a perpetrator’s behaviour towards their victim. Its purpose is to disempower a victim’s self-esteem, self-worth, and independence, creating isolation and barriers to support. Reach out, help is available.
Tea Is Consent - Nexus NI explains the nuances of consent through the example of offering a cup of tea.
Illegal Money Lending - This video from Ending The Harm shows the dangers of loan sharks and the exploitative nature of paramilitaries.
More Coming Soon... Do you have any suggestions? If so, let us know by Joining The Conversation at the bottom of this page!
Find Help Near You - Abuse
There are many support agencies in Northern Ireland who specialise in providing support to people impacted by abuse. Please remember that you are not alone and that there is help available.
We currently do not accept requests for ongoing support from us. Instead, please browse or search our directory to find the most appropriate service for your needs to ensure you get the best support possible.
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We invite everyone to contribute to our shared community resource on this important topic.
You can make a difference by submitting helpful resources such as videos, books, podcasts, insightful advice, or an anonymous My Experience article to help others feel less alone. Your contribution, big or small, can provide valuable support and guidance to those who need it.
Get Involved, join the conversation (button to form below)!
If you are experiencing distress or are in a mental health crisis please contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000
