#ChangeTheStory
Christmas should be a time for joy and celebration but this isn’t the case for everyone. Across the UK police forces often see an increase in domestic abuse cases over the festive season and the New Year.
The abusive behaviour often isn’t just confined to homes and domestic relationships too – violence against women and girls also increases as people go out and have a few drinks as they celebrate the festive season.
The mixture of people drinking more and possibly facing extra pressure – be it financial or strained relationships – can lead to physical abuse. It can also be a catalyst for psychological abuse with coercive and controlling behaviour creating fear in relationships and homes.
Domestic abuse comes in many different forms and does not always mean physical violence, it can also be emotional, sexual, financial or psychological abuse. It can also include coercive and controlling behaviour and affects the lives of many people from all different backgrounds regardless of gender, age, race, or religion.
Our campaign this year is urging people to spot the signs and #ChangeTheStory.
While we always urge people to come forward and report abuse – we are also encouraging potential abusers to pause and think about their own behaviour, this year. Allowing yourself to lose control can have devastating consequences, for your partner or those on the receiving end of your behaviour – and also yourself. Violence, coercive control and abuse are criminal offences and can lead to arrest and a prison sentence. Making a wrong choice could change your life.
Take a look:
Recognise the signs of abusive behaviour – if someone you know, or maybe it’s you, behave this way then maybe it’s time to seek help to change for the better.
There are different kinds of abuse, but it's always about having power and control – full information can be found on our website but here’s some key information:
Signs of domestic violence and abuse
There are different kinds of abuse, but it's always about having power and control over you.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you might need to consider how you can change your story to prevent abuse ruining your life and the lives of those you love.
Do you ever...
Emotional abuse:
- belittle your loved ones, or put them down?
- blame them for the abuse or arguments?
- deny that abuse is happening, or downplay it?
- isolate them from family and friends?
- stop them going to college or work?
- make unreasonable demands for attention?
- accuse them of flirting or having affairs?
- tell them what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?
- control their money, or not give them enough to buy food or other essential things?
- monitor their social media profiles, share photos or videos of them without consent or use GPS locators to know where they are?
Intimidation:
- threaten to hurt or kill them?
- destroy things that belong to them?
- stand over them, invade their personal space?
- threaten to kill yourself or the children?
- read their emails, texts or letters?
- harass or follow them?
Physical abuse:
- slap, hit or punch your loved one?
- push or shove them?
- bite or kick them?
- burn them?
- choke or hold them down?
- throw things?
Sexual abuse:
Sexual abuse can happen to anyone.
Do you ever:
- touch your loved ones in a way they do not want to be touched?
- make unwanted sexual demands?
- hurt them during sex?
- pressure them to have unsafe sex – for example, not using a condom?
- pressure them to have sex?
- If anyone has sex without both parties wanting to and consenting, this is rape. It is still rape if that person is your partner.
- Have you ever made loved ones feel afraid?
- Have those around you changed their behaviours because they're afraid of what you might do?
If you think your behaviour is becoming abusive, there are lots of people who can help you before it is too late. Visit the No Excuse For Abuse website to find out more.