Angus Partnership on Domestic Abuse
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a woman living in Angus. My partner is abusing me, can someone help me?
Angus Women's Aid can provide free confidential advice, assistance and support. Their telephone number is 01241 439457 or you can call the Scottish Domestic Abuse 24 hour helpline free on 0800 027 1234.
You can also speak confidentially to a trained Tayside Police Domestic Abuse officer by calling 01241 435742 or out-with office hours contact Tayside Police on 01307 302200.
Victim Support can also provide advice and they can be contacted on 01241 870096.
Where can I get advice about being re-housed because of domestic abuse?
Speak to your local housing officer by contacting the Angus Council ACCESSLine on 08452 777 778
I am a school-aged person living in a family where domestic abuse is happening. What can I do?
You can speak in confidence to your Pupil Care and Support teacher. You can also speak to a member of the Barnardo's Domestic Abuse Initiative on 01241 435747.
You can also contact the free and confidential Childline helpline on 0800 1111, the child protection helpline on the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is the physical, mental, sexual and/or financial abuse of a woman that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour.
How common is domestic abuse?
1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and between 1 in 8 to 1 in 10 women experience it annually. Less than half of all incidents are reported to the Police, but they still receive one domestic abuse call every minute in the UK.
Who are the victims?
Domestic abuse can occur regardless of ethnicity, religion, class, age, sexuality, disability or lifestyle. It can also occur in a range of relationships including heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender relationships.
Who are the abusers?
Abusers come from all walks of life. They can come from any ethnic group, religion, class or neighbourhood. They may be older or younger. They can be male or female, but the majority of perpetrators are men.
What is the cause of domestic abuse?
Abusers choose to behave violently to get what they want and gain control. Their behaviour often originates from a sense of entitlement which is often supported by sexist, racist, homophobic and other discriminatory attitudes.
Why doesn't she leave?
Whilst the risk of staying may be very high, simply leaving the relationship doesn't guarantee that the abuse will stop. In fact, the period when a woman is planning or making her exit, is often the most dangerous time for her and her children.
What are the effects of domestic abuse on children?
The majority of children witness the violence that is occurring and in about half of all domestic abuse situations. All children witnessing domestic abuse are being emotionally abused.
Who is responsible for the abuse?
The abuser is responsible. They do not have to use violence. They can choose, instead, to behave non-violently and foster a relationship built on trust, honesty, and respect.
What is the cost of domestic abuse?
The estimated total cost of domestic abuse to society in monetary terms is £23 billion per annum. This figure includes an estimated £3.1 billion as the cost to the state and £1.3 billion as the cost to employers and human suffering cost of £17 billion.