Domestic abuse- what is it?
Does your partner or family member… intimidate you, check up on you, dislike you having friends, call you names and criticise you, restrict your access to money or health care, hurt you, blame you for the way they feel?
Do you feel…frightened, depressed, isolated, powerless?
Are you in a relationship:
- based on fear, threats, and intimidation?
- where one person tries to have control in order to get their needs met?
- where there is no respect and willingness to compromise?
- where there are consequences to disagreeing and saying no?
- where you feel you are walking on eggshells?
This could be an abusive relationship and may be experienced by both women and men aged 16 years and over. Domestic abuse happens in marriages, partnerships, same-sex relationships and families. It occurs in all cultures, class structures, age groups and is happening today in your neighbourhood.
How can Watford Women’s Centre help me?
We offer an appointment (face to face or on the telephone) with a specialist domestic abuse worker who will listen and give you accurate information in a supportive, non-judgemental environment. Initially, we would talk to you about your situation, assess the safety needs of you and any children and discuss your options.
These may include:
- Emotional support and practical help
- ‘My Life’ domestic abuse programme
- Introducing you to our Black and Ethnic Minority support worker
- Helping you to build self esteem and confidence to better manage your situation on a day to day basis
- Legal advice - Family law solicitor appointments
- 1:1 counselling low cost and long-term up to 1 year
- Signposting to other appropriate agencies including access to a refuge if required. Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline / Herts Sunflower
How do I access the services?
You can ring us to talk through your situation over the phone with our specialist support worker Alison Thomas, or make an appointment with Alison or our BAME specialist outreach worker on 01923 816 229.
Will it be confidential?
We hope you will feel comfortable talking openly with the support worker. Whatever is discussed is strictly confidential to the agency unless we have concerns regarding the safety of yourself or others, in particular children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding concerns may be passed on to relevant people who need to know and we will always try and include you in this process.
