Domestic abuse and violence

Domestic violence is 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.

Types of domestic abuse

This can include, but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

• psychological
• physical
• sexual
• financial
• emotional

Controlling behaviour

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependant 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

Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten a victim.

This includes so called 'honour' based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage and it is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Talk to someone

If you need to talk to someone you can contact:

• Clare House Women's Refuge and 24 hour Helpline - 01772 435865
• GALOP - LGBT+ and Domestic Abuse Helpline 
• KARMA Nirvana - Honour Based Violence and Forced Marriage
• Women's Aid

Lancashire Victim Services (LVS)

Lancashire Victim Services (LVS) independent domestic violence advisers are specially trained to provide:

• non-judgemental emotional support
• safety planning
• access to counselling and practical help

They are also able to support victims of domestic abuse through the criminal justice system and make sure that the right measures are in place to keep people safe.

You can contact LVS on 0300 323 0085 or email info@lancashirevictimservice.org between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday.

Out of hours support is available through Victim Support by calling 0808 168 9111. All enquiries to support line which require further support will be referred to Lancashire Victim Services by the next working day.

Sanctuary scheme

Many people live in fear in their own homes. Survivors of domestic violence often have to leave their homes as a result of the abuse or the threat of repeat incidents.

Run in partnership with South Ribble Council, the sanctuary scheme aims to offer another option for those who would otherwise have to move house and leave everything behaving at a time when they need their support networks the most.

This is done by providing additional security to their property.

To be eligible to apply to the scheme you must:

• live within the Chorley and South Ribble area
• be a survivor of domestic violence
• have a right to occupy the property for example have (or live with a family member who has) a tenancy in their name or own the property
• wish to remain in that property
• the perpetrator must no longer reside at or be given access to the property.

For more information you should email housing@southribble.gov.uk.

Please note, the scheme is not an emergency service and the police should be contacted if you are in immediate danger on 999.