Do you need support?

Everyone has arguments and disagreements with family or friends. We all do things that we regret, and we’ve all upset or hurt people close to us at some time.

Domestic abuse is not a one off incident. It is a pattern of behaviour. It isn’t always violent, but it is always coercive and controlling.

If you are frightened and confused about your relationship with your partner, ex-partner or a member of your family use these questions to help you figure out if it is abuse.

Do you need support?

Frightened or confused? Do you think you might be in an abusive relationship? These questions might help.

Do you need support?

Check if the answer is YES

Do you need support?

Compared to your life before the relationship, have you lost touch or fallen out with close friends or family? Can you pinpoint the reason? Was it your free choice?

Do you need support?

Do they want you all to themselves? Have they stopped you working? Has this made you financially dependent on them?

Do you need support?

When a partner constantly texts to ask where you are or what you are doing, or look through your phone and social messages from other people this may be digital abuse. Read Keeping safe online.

Do you need support?

Jealousy may make you feel flattered, but constant accusations of flirting or cheating can constitute emotional abuse.

Do you need support?

Not all abuse is physical.

Do you need support?

You can find more information about how to stay safe here.

Do you need support?

Do you think twice about what you wear or change where you go and what you do?

Do you need support?

Destruction of property and possessions is an implicit threat that the perpetrator is capable of violence.

Do you need support?

You can find more information about how to stay safe here.

Do you need support?

This is economic abuse. Find out more http://survivingeconomicabuse....

Do you need support?

Will there be negative consequences if you decide not to do what they want?

Do you need support?

Withholding medication, finding ways to stop you going to the doctor or getting help constitutes abuse.

Do you need support?

Know your rights: http://rightsofwomen.org.uk/ge...

Do you need support?

Know your rights: http://rightsofwomen.org.uk/ge...

Do you need support?

Forced sex between partners is called ‘intimate rape’. For advice and support around rape and sexual abuse contact Survivor’s Network www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk

Do you need support?

If you aren’t free to go when and where you want to it is likely that you are in an abusive relationship.

Do you need support?

Forcing you to drink alcohol or take drugs, or withholding drink or drugs to make you dependent on them is abuse.

Do you need support?

Forced marriage is against the law in the UK. https://www.gov.uk/stop-forced...

Do you need support?

It is possible that you are in an abusive relationship

We recommend you contact our helpline now on 0300 323 9985 for support.  

Alternatively, call the National 24 hr Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247. If you're in danger right now call 999.

Do you need support?

It is possible that you are in an abusive relationship

You may be in an abusive relationship.   

Call our helpline on 0300 323 9985 or visit the Portal http://theportal.org.uk/ and find out more about your options and support available.

Do you need support?

As you answered 'No' to all these questions, you may not be in an abusive relationship. However, if you feel worried or frightened then you should talk to someone about what's happening.

You can call RISE on Freephone 0300 323 9985 to talk through your options. (Or here are some other sources of advice?)

Read more about domestic abuse and ways to stay safe.