Domestic Violence and Abuse

These pages provide information and advice about domestic violence and abuse, and services available in the Gosport area.

In an emergency ALWAYS dial 999.

Domestic Violence (DV) can affect anyone. The majority of domestic violence is perpetrated by men against women victims. However, men can also be victims of domestic violence perpetrated by women. Domestic violence can also occur in same-sex relationships; it cuts across age, class, wealth, employment status, religion and ethnicity.  It can happen between you and your partner or ex-partner.  DV can also happen between other family members.

DV is a series or pattern of behaviour which can be in the form of a threat of violence, actual violence or abuse.

- constant criticism
- pressure
- disrespect
- isolation
- harassment
- constant questioning
- withholding money or other material things
- destroying belongings
- making threats
- being demanding.

What Can I Do if I am a Victim of Domestic Violence?

• Arrange where you might go if you have to leave urgently.
• Find places where you can quickly and safely use the phone.
• Try to save money so that you have bus or taxi fares in an emergency.
• Get an extra set of keys for the house/car.
• Keep the keys, money and anything else you may need in a safe place, should you have to leave quickly.
• Talk to your children.  Let them know it’s not their fault.  Children do not have to see violence to be affected by it.  They hear it, sense it and can be sad and frightened by it.
• Talk to friends, relatives, your doctor, nurse or others about how you feel

Should you decide to leave home try to contact a specialist organisation such as one of those listed here they will be able to give you some advice on things you may not have thought of, most especially leaving safely.
Consider taking:

- birth and marriage certificates
- school and medical records
- driving license and car documents
- money, credit cards, cheque books
- passports, work permits, visa (if required)
- medications
- several days clothing
- personal possessions which have sentimental value
- children’s favourite toys.

Help for male victims of domestic violence & abuse:
Victim support
The Lodge
1 Northern Parade
Portsmouth
PO2 9PB

Tel: 023 9265 3111
Email: hiow.vssoutheast@victimsupport.org.uk

Call into the office or contact us for
Ongoing one to one support for as long as required by trained volunteers either by telephone, meeting in office or meeting in a convenient safe location

All support is free & confidential
Office hours: 8am – 4 pm  Monday to Friday
Telephone hours: 8am – 8pm  Monday to Friday out of hours answer machine

Supportline: 0845 30 30 900