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Overview
Domestic abuse is behaviour between those aged over 16 years who are personally connected to each other, that is they are or have been intimate partners or family members, even after separation. Regardless of age, gender identity or reassignment, religion, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, marital status or background.
Behaviour is considered abusive when it consists of any of the following:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour, even after separation
- Economic abuse – means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect to acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or obtain goods or services
- Psychological, emotional, or other abuse
Includes so called 'honour-based' violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and force marriage.
Controlling behaviour 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 is an act or a pattern of acts to assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
A child who sees, or hears, or experiences the effects of, domestic abuse and is related to the person being abused or the perpetrator is also regarded as a victim of domestic abuse in their own right.
Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (GOV.UK website)
For help identifying domestic abuse view the Refuge website
Further information
Helplines and support services
One Stop Shop
Merton has a confidential drop-in service for people experiencing domestic abuse. It’s held every Monday between 9.30am -12.00 noon (except bank holidays) at Morden Baptist Church, Crown Lane, Morden, SM4 5BL. For further details call One Stop Shop on 020 7801 1777.
The One Stop shop will reopen on Monday 22 November - Please call 020 7801 1777 to make an appointment
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Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA): 020 7801 1777
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Victim Support: 0808 168 9111
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Legal advice relating to domestic abuse: 020 8543 3302 or 020 8767 2777
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Refuge: 0808 2000 247
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RASASC (if you have experienced any kind of sexual violence): 0808 802 9999
Victim Support
Victim Support has independent domestic violence advisors (IDVA) you can speak to.
Phone: 020 7801 1777 weekdays 9am - 5pm or 0808 168 9111 at other times.
Victim Support
National Domestic Violence Helpline
The National Domestic Violence Helpline is run in partnership with Women's Aid and Refuge.
The helpline is staffed 24 hours a day by fully trained helpline support workers and volunteers.
Phone: 0808 2000 247
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Men’s Advice Line
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
Phone: 0808 801 0327
Men’s Advice Line
Women and Girls Network
A women-only service that supports women in London who’ve experienced violence or are at risk of violence.
Phone: 0808 801 0660
Women and Girls Network
Galop
A lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) helpline for people who’ve experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.
Phone: 0207 704 2040
Galop
Forward
The Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development is committed to gender equality and safeguarding the rights of African girls and women.
Phone: 0208 960 4000, ext 1
Forward
Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO)
IKWRO provides advice to Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence.
Phone: 0207 920 6460
Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation (IKWRO)
SignHealth Domestic Abuse Service
A specialist domestic abuse service to support the health and wellbeing of Deaf people.
Text: 0780 000 3421
Domestic Abuse Service - SignHealth
Referral to MARAC
If a Victim Support independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) thinks you’re at risk from future harm from domestic abuse, they may discuss your situation at a meeting called a domestic abuse multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC). At the meeting they draw up an action plan to help manage the risk.
If you’re a professional and would like to refer someone complete a MARAC referral form. Email the form to mertonmarac@merton.gov.uk.cjsm.net. You can also email any questions you have on domestic violence to this email address.
Domestic abuse disclosure scheme – Clare’s Law
The overall aim of Clare's law is to help people to make a more informed decision on whether to continue a relationship and provide help and support when making that choice; or have recently separated.
If you are worried about your partner causing you harm or the partner of someone else causing them harm, you can ask the police and partner agencies to check their background. They can check if they have a record of abusive offences or if there is any other information to indicate they may pose a risk.
Domestic abuse is widely thought to be under-reported, which means that disclosures may not show a true reflection of a perpetrators history. An application can be made using an online form or attendance at a police station.
Domestic Abuse Protection Notice and Orders (DAPN and DAPO)
The new powers provide flexible, longer terms protection for victims from all forms of domestic abuse, including non-physical abuse and controlling or coercive behaviour. A DAPN would be issued by police and a DAPO would be applied for at court by police, victims or specified third parties.
Metropolitian Police website
National Stalking Helpline
The National Stalking Helpline is the first national helpline to specialise in providing information and advice to victims of harassment and stalking.
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
National Stalking Helpline
Counselling Directory
Find a counsellor or psychotherapist near you.
Telephone: 0844 803 0252
Counselling Directory
Samaritans
If you're having a difficult time or if you're worried about someone else. Call free any time, from any phone
Telephone: 116 123
Samaritans website
MASCOT
MASCOT Telecare and Community Support Services provide a range of initiatives enabling people to remain at home with independence and security.
Telephone: 0208 274 5940
MASCOT
Other support services
16 Days campaign
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign which runs every year from 25 November to 10 December. Each year we have a themed campaign in Merton Civic Centre to promote the domestic abuse support services available in Merton.
