Angus Partnership on Domestic Abuse
Working together to end domestic abuse
Angus Partnership on Domestic Abuse (APODA) is a multi-agency partnership which co-ordinates services from voluntary and statutory agencies who provide support to those experiencing domestic abuse.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is the physical, emotional, sexual or mental abuse of one person by another, with whom they have or have had an intimate relationship.
Domestic abuse is very common: it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, social class, race, disability or lifestyle. Domestic abuse can start at any point, even many years after you first met.
Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off event. Physical abuse often escalates in frequency and severity over time. However, the abuse can take many forms and even though the physical or sexual abuse may not happen regularly, other forms of abusive or controlling behaviour may be ongoing, so that you always feel off-balance or anxious.
Acknowledging that you are experiencing domestic abuse is an important step in preventing and stopping the abuse. All forms of abuse - psychological, financial, emotional, sexual and physical - come from the abuser's desire to maintain power and control over another person.
What you can do if you are experiencing domestic abuse
- Recognise that it is happening to you.
- Accept that you are not to blame.
- Get help and support.
Pupils from Webster's High School, Kirriemuir and Brechin High School supported the White Ribbon Campaign in Angus in 2009.
The above photograph, left to right, Jordan Dale, Evelyn Allardyce and Mark Watson (Angus Partnership on Domestic Abuse), Mary McGregor, Pupil Care and Support teacher, Claire Pirie and Catriona Ross.
Tayside Police and members of APODA launch 2008 White Ribbon Campaign
APODA - Winners of 2008 Angus Council Excellence Award
for Team/Partnership Building