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Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and abuse affects thousands of people from all different backgrounds.

It does not matter whether you are young or old, if you are religious or not, whether you are male or female, if you are from a different country or a different culture, whether you are a traveller, whether you are employed or unemployed and it does not matter about your sexuality.

Are you one of these people?

Does a spouse, or partner you are intimate with, or a relative:

  • Ridicule and humiliate you in public or in private?
  • Complain about you going out or having friends?
  • Turn your children against you or use them in arguments?
  • Isolate you from your family and friends and daily activities?
  • Deny you access to finances preventing you from having money of your own?
  • Swear at, push, slap, punch or beat you?
  • Force you to perform sexual acts or have sex?
  • Harm or threaten to harm the children?
  • Damage or threaten to damage your property?

If your answer to one or more of these questions is yes, you can now get help locally.

Services are free and confidential. You will be allowed to make your own decisions. No one will force you into anything you do not want to do.

To find out more about the service, please telephone 01246 242503 or 07852 111 268 for a confidential chat.

Being Prepared

If you are currently living with an abusive partner it is a good idea to be prepared in case you have to leave quickly. Here are some suggestions:

  • Establish the nearest contact point to your home e.g. friends, neighbours, telephone box.
  • Always carry a list of emergency telephone numbers and keep your benefit books with you.
  • Try to put some money aside for taxi, bus or train fares.
  • Always keep an extra set of keys for your house and car.
  • Keep keys, money and a set of clothes for yourself and children packed in a bag (perhaps at a friend's house).

The pdf icon 'You Can Afford To Leave Booklet' will also give you some useful advice and information.

Useful Links:

The Freedom Programme

The Freedom programme is a 12 week support group for women.  It is open to any woman who wishes to learn more about the reality of domestic abuse. It aims to:

  • To help women to understand the beliefs held by abusive men and in so doing, recognise which of these beliefs they have shared.
  • To help women gain self esteem and the confidence to improve the quality of their lives.
  • To show the effects of domestic abuse on children.
  • To help women to recognise potential future abusers.
  • To introduce women to community resources.

The Freedom Programme is now being run in venues across the areas of Bolsover District, Chesterfield Borough and North East Derbyshire Councils.

All courses are open to women from any area.  All programmes are free. Crèche for pre-school age children may be available.

For more information on the Programme, please telephone 01246 242503 or submit an enquiry form

Last Updated on Monday, 22 April 2013 13:18

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