Domestic violence or abuse usually happens within an intimate relationship. The relationship could be a marriage, dating, family or friends. Men can abuse women and women can abuse men. The abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, mental and financial.

If you are being threatened or experience domestic violence, try and leave the situation as soon as it is safe to do so. Despite what your abuser may tell you, you have got rights, and there is help out there.

Tell someone at school or college, or call Pathways. In an emergency dial 999.

Pathways

The Council in partnership with the Pathway Project has developed a refuge for women fleeing domestic violence.

This specialist service provides emergency, temporary, safe and secure accommodation with support for women with or without children.

If you are escaping domestic violence Pathways can be contacted 24 hours a day telephone 01543 676800