What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

Women’s Aid defines domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. In most cases, it is by a partner or ex-partner but could also be by a family member or carer. It is very common.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity.
Domestic abuse is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it.
Domestic abuse is a crime.
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Domestic abuse and coronavirus
Measures introduced by the Government to tackle coronavirus will mean many people will be feeling unsafe staying in a home with an abusive person, isolated from their support networks.
In response, the Government has said the coronavirus household isolation instructions do not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.
Women’s Aid has put together advice and information about support available.
Organisations that can support you
Tameside Council website - www.tameside.gov.uk/domesticabuse
SignHealth
SignHealth provides domestic abuse service support for deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL).