Unsure about domestic abuse? #NoClosedDoors2020 can help

NOT everyone recognises they are in an abusive relationship and may worry about being at home or wonder what they might get wrong this time.

Victims begin to doubt themselves and believe the abuse is their fault – or change their behaviour because they are worried how someone at home or a family member might react. Not all domestic abuse is physical.

That’s why Somerset County Council is continuing to promote its campaign, #NoClosedDoors2020, which is spreading the word about the different types of abuse, the signs to look out for and where to get support – empowering victims to find a route out of cycles of abuse.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, disability, lifestyle, nationality or age and can take many forms:

• Physical and sexual abuse
• Financial/economic abuse
• Coercive control
• Psychological abuse and ‘gaslighting’
• Emotional abuse
• Stalking or Harassment
• Online abuse
• Verbal abuse

Councillor Clare Paul, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Health and Wellbeing, explained: “We know abuse can take many forms. People experiencing domestic abuse do not always recognise or admit that they are a victim.

“With this in mind it is so important that we raise awareness of these issues. There must be no uncertainty for someone in an abusive relationship that what they are experiencing is wrong and that help is available for them to be able to escape it.”

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, worried about someone you know, or are concerned about the impact of your behaviour towards others, then help is available: www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 69 49  999.

In an emergency you should always dial 999, if you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent and dial 55 for help.

Please help us make a difference – spread the word about our campaign to help people who are being abused behind closed doors – search #NoClosedDoors2020 on Google and repost/retweet the messages and articles on your social media accounts in case any of your friends and followers are experiencing domestic abuse.