Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse (also called domestic violence) is a crime and a major social problem affecting many families. In 90% of reported domestic abuse incidents, children have either been present in the same or a nearby room. Young people over 16 years of age can also be victims of domestic abuse in their own personal relationships
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is the abuse of someone within a relationship. Abuse is primarily committed by a partner, ex-partner or other family member. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, or a combination of these.
Effects upon children
Children are affected in many ways by abuse, even after a short time. These effects include:
- feeling frightened,
- becoming withdrawn,
- blaming themselves
- bedwetting,
- running away,
- aggressiveness,
- behavioural difficulties,
- problems with school,
- poor concentration and
- emotional turmoil
The longer children are exposed to abuse, the more severe the effects on them are. These can include:
- A lack of respect for the non-abusive parent.
- Being over-protective of parent.
- Low self confidence
- Loss of childhood.
- Anxiety and depression
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Running away.
- Increased vulnerability to being groomed for child sexual exploitation
What can I do?
There are a range of free services in Solihull for women and men experiencing Domestic Abuse.
Domestic violence is a crime. Never hesitate to call the police who have specialist domestic violence officers trained to help you and put you in touch with other agencies who can help you with safety planning, housing issues, drug or alcohol problems or give details of solicitors who can assist you with the legal side of things.
In case of emergency contact the Police, dial: 999
If you are female and feel reluctant to speak to the police, you can call Women’s Aid 0808 800 0028. You can speak to them in the strictest confidence about your problems and they can offer you practical and emotional support or help you find emergency refuge accommodation if you are escaping abuse.
National resource
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 24 hour free phone Tel: 0808 2000 247
Local resource
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid Helpline – 0808 800 0028
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid Young Women’s refuge information can be found here
