Domestic Abuse Handbooks
Not every form of domestic abuse leaves visible marks and many are not even a violation of current criminal law. Abuse of any type erodes an individual’s confidence, esteem and self-worth and is hugely damaging to the victim. It diminishes their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and the negative effects often affect others associated with the immediate victim.
Domestic abuse is an unacceptable crime which affects people from all social and economic backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. It includes any action involving abuse between adult family members (including current and former partners). The abuse occurs when a person causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause emotional, sexual or physical harm to an intimate partner or other family member. It is also rarely a one-off event. It can escalate in frequency and severity over time.
Working together to end domestic abuse
Those suffering abuse deserve to be believed and to receive an early and effective professional multi-agency intervention. These publications are a result of cooperation between individuals and agencies on a local, national and international level.
Domestic abuse – support, advice and guidance booklet
Download: Domestic Abuse booklet
Produced and published by Medway Domestic Abuse Forum, 2016.
Everyone has the right not to experience violence or abuse. This booklet aims to give advice if you, or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse and to explain some of the terminology and legal responses to domestic abuse.
A 32-page handbook covering the following topics:
- Who can be affected by domestic abuse
- Examples of abuse
- Stalking and harassment
- Signs to look out for in recognising abuse
- Effects on children
- The cycle of abuse
- Teenagers
- Vulnerable adults
- Honour-based abuse
- Forced marriage
- Female genital mutilation
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and questioning
- Practical things to keep you safe
- Planning to leave
- How to access local services
- Housing support
- What can the police do
- Court orders that protect you
- Terms used in domestic abuse
- Contact numbers
Behind closed doors – Domestic Abuse Information Handbook
Download: Domestic Abuse Information Handbook
Published with the support of Kent and Medway Domestic Violence Strategic Group 2010.
If you are suffering any form of abuse, know that you are not responsible for your partner or ex-partner’s behaviour. This booklet describes many sources of help for you and your children.
A 60-page information handbook for victims of domestic abuse covering the following topics:
- What is Domestic Abuse?
- Violence Continuums
- Victims of Domestic Abuse
- Common Questions and Answers
- Signs to Look for in an Abusive Relationship
- Perpetrators of Abuse
- Children of Domestic Abuse
- Adolescent/Teen Relationship Abuse
- Domestic Abuse is a Health Care Issue
- Intervention Strategies – Multi-Agency Work
