Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

This abuse can be, but is not limited to:

psychological
physical
sexual
financial
emotional

Controlling behaviour
This is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour
This is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse used to harm, punish, or frighten the victim.
This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. Victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Getting help

The DV Hub (Kingston Domestic Violence Hub)The Kingston Domestic Violence Hub (DV Hub) provides free, confidential, non-judgmental and independent support to anyone who is experiencing domestic violence.

DV Hub workers support all victims of domestic violence. Whatever your age, sex, gender, sexuality, religion, race or disability, they will either directly support you or link you with the service most appropriate for your needs.

The hub is not a drop-in service, but if you wish, a domestic violence worker will arrange to meet with you and talk to you face to face.

The DV Hub also delivers empowerment programmes for women, please contact them to get more information.
Call 020 8547 6046 or send the DV Hub an email.

The DV Hub phone line is open from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

If you need support outside of these hours call the Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247