What is domestic abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 came into force in April 2021 and has introduced significant measures to provide improved responses for adult and child survivors of domestic abuse. In Newham, we are committed to addressing all forms of domestic abuse and providing support to survivors who reside, work or visit the borough.
Domestic Abuse can be defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 and over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender and sexuality. The abuse can encompass but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse. This includes abuse experienced post separation and historically.
The experience of children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse is recognised within the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and as a local authority we will provide support and services to ensure children and young people are protected from abuse.
Domestic abuse can include but is not limited to the following;
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use of threats of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Threats to remove your children from your care
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse and all forms of sexual violence
- Financial and economic abuse
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Online and digital abuse
- Threats to have you deported from the UK
- Female genital mutilation ( FGM)
- Sexual exploitation of children and adults
- Honour based violence
- Forced marriage
- Exploitation through prostitution
- Human trafficking
- Exposure to pornography
We would encourage our residents and visitors to report domestic abuse and seek support from services listed on our web pages.
If you wish to talk in confidence please contact the Newham Domestic Abuse Service on 0808 196 1482. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have insecure immigration status (for example, No recourse to public funds), we can offer support to you and your family so please do contact any of the Domestic Abuse agencies listed on these pages.
