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 and Immigration 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. H erts Dome stic Abuse Helpline / Herts Sunflower / Safer Places

How do I access the services?

You can ring us to book an appointment to talk through your situation over the phone with our specialist support workers on 01923 816 229. Select the Domestic Abuse Option.

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.

You have helped me walk tall again, without the fear that has followed me for so long.

You have shown me that we are worthy as women and that we have to hold on to our self-esteem even when others would try to destroy it.

I became me again and turned a negative experience into a positive outcome.

My Ally - our new domestic abuse and relationship telephone support service

My Ally is our new National Lottery funded project which is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. We will be recruiting more volunteers soon. To find out more about these volunteer opportunities, please email Keely:

keely@watfordwomenscentre.org.uk