Domestic abuse is, regrettably, a fairly common problem in the United Kingdom. The concealed nature of the problem makes it difficult to measure, but reporting from the Crime Survey of England and Wales estimates that just over a quarter of women and a seventh of men have experienced domestic abuse since the age of sixteen.
If you’re part of this unhappy statistic, then you might not know how to proceed. Even if you’ve escaped from the abusive situation, it might be unclear how to move on with life. You might still be processing your experience, or you might be in a situation that’s financially precarious.
Know Your Legal Rights
The good news is that domestic abuse victims are protected by various sections of UK law – even if not all of them are aware of it. You might, for example, issue a restraining order to prevent a former spouse from seeing you or your children.
The law in this area can be complex and intimidating, but it’s also a valuable asset when you’re in the right. Getting the best from it, and in particular the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, can help you to get the protection you need. Abuse claims can help you to get the justice you need – but pursuing them successfully will often require the assistance of a competent lawyer.
Access Support Services
There are many services available to support victims of domestic violence. Many, like Women’s Aid, are there to support women in particular, who make up the bulk of victims. But there are also charities available for men in this situation. Others, like Refuge, make efforts to support both sexes.
The support offered can take many forms. In some cases, you might just need someone to talk to. In others, you might need a place to stay in a hurry. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Take Practical Safety Steps
After having escaped an unsafe domestic situation, you might wish to take steps to protect yourself in your new home. This might mean installing security cameras and other devices, changing your phone number, and removing yourself from social media – or, at least, anonymising yourself so that persistent abusers cannot easily find you.
Stay Informed About Recent Legal Changes
The legal situation in the UK is constantly shifting. In most cases, it’s tending in the direction of support for victims. In recent times, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has been amended so that controlling or coercive behaviour can be carried out by a person who is not in a relationship with the victim. By staying connected with the right charities, and with legal groups, you’ll be able to stay on top of developments like these.
Build a Support Network
Escaping from domestic abuse is difficult. Escaping from it on your own is often borderline impossible. If you’re going to build a new life for yourself and stand a good chance of enjoying it, then it’s vital that you take all the support you can get. This might mean building a network of family, friends, professional counsellors, and supportive people who know what it’s like to be in your situation.