Love shouldn’t hurt; support is available
Date Added: 14/02/2022
Domestic abuse is more than physical violence.
It’s an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, by a partner, ex-partner, a family member, or carer.
It might include isolating you from family and friends, monitoring your social media profiles, and telling you what to wear and who to see. It could be that someone controls your money, and doesn’t give you enough to buy food or other essentials.
On our website, we have an online safe space where you can take a quiz to see if the behaviour you are experiencing is domestic abuse, and find information about support services. It leaves no trace in your internet history, and you can leave the page quickly if you need to.
Just go to the Central Bedfordshire Council website, scroll to the bottom of any page and click the safe spaces logo in the bottom right hand corner.
Support is available to anyone who is experiencing abusive behaviour
I feel unsafe and I need help
You are not alone. Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247.
Visit the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership website for more information about local and national support for all affected by domestic abuse, including men, children and young people, older people and people from the LGBT+ community.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
I’m worried about someone else
If you’re worried about a family member, a loved one, a friend, a neighbour or a work colleague, you can report concerns about domestic abuse anonymously.
If you suspect domestic abuse and don't want to reveal your identity, talk to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Or visit the CrimeStoppers domestic abuse webpage where you can anonymously complete an online form.
I’m worried about my own behaviour
Call the Respect phoneline on 0808 802 4040 and talk to an advisor. It’s a free call and you won’t be judged or shamed.
To find out more, you can also visit the visit the Respect Phoneline website.