In Suffolk, domestic abuse is the most under reported of all
violent crime and affects people from all social, and geographical
backgrounds - regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religious or
sexual orientation.
Domestic abuse is something which the Police and all the
community safety partners in Suffolk take seriously. It is a crime
and it should not be suffered in silence. Please report it so that
you can receive the sensitive support and assistance of those who
are committed to preventing and reducing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse can take many forms, and can happen repeatedly.
If left unchallenged it can become more frequent and severe.
Domestic abuse can include physical, sexual or emotional abuse and
could involve some of the following behaviour:
- Actual or threat of physical harm.
- Deprivation of food, sleep or money.
- Biting, pushing, kicking, punching.
- Name calling and verbal threats.
- Sexual threats or forced sex.
- Use of weapons.
- Emotional blackmail.
- Isolation from family or friends.
- Imprisonment in your own home.
- Humiliation or belittlement.
- Using your children against you.
Getting help and advice
For comprehensive information and advice on where to get help in
Suffolk, visit the specially created
Break the
Pattern website (opens new window).
- For emergencies - call the Police by dialling 999, they
will respond, investigate and assist you. For non-emergencies and
advice ring 01473 613500.
- Suffolk Domestic Violence and Abuse Helpline - 0800 783
5121 (calls are free).
- Ipswich Women's Aid and Women's Refuge - 01473 745111
(24 hours).
- Sufolk Gay and Lesbian Helpline - 0808 808 2322 (calls
are free).
- National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
(calls are free) - 24 hour domestic violence helpline for women,
children and their supporters.
The helplines listed above are also available in Polish or
Lithuanian.
The Break the Pattern website has a
directory of phone numbers and helplines (opens new window) of
organisations that may be able to help you.
You may also find these links useful (all links below open a new
window):