Domestic violence and abuse

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 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 of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their 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.

'Take the Step' 'Make the call'

Take the step' ' Make the call' was launched by the Commissioner and gives advice from Lancashire Victim Services (LVS) about where people who are experiencing domestic abuse can get the help they need, when they need it.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire is encouraging victims of domestic abuse to take the step and make a call to get help.

In Preston, the Community Safety Partnership supports the Commissioner's message that domestic abuse is unacceptable and are raising awareness of where to get help by sharing information about services available locally.

Raising the profile of these services is an important part of Preston Community Safety Partnership's work.

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 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0300 323 0085 or email info@lancashirevictimservice.org

Additionally, support is available through Support Line by calling 01708 765200. All enquiries to Support Line which require further support will be referred to Lancashire Victims Services by the next working day.

Preston Domestic Violence Services

Preston Domestic Violence Services (PDVS) supports adults (men and women) and children and young people experiencing (or having experienced) domestic and/or sexual violence.

Safe Net Domestic Abuse Services

Safe Net Domestic Abuse Services plays a crucial role in providing support to victims and survivors of abuse, encompassing individuals of all genders and age groups, including men, women, and children. Safe Net maintain refuges that offer a safe haven for those in need. Additionally, they operate a dedicated Safe at Home community outreach team, along with specialised support for schools, which involves group work aimed at educating young people on healthy relationships, facilitated by Safe Net domestic abuse specialists.

You can contact Safe Net at DAOutreachPreston@Safenet.org.uk. For general inquiries, please email contact@safenet.org.uk.