Easy Read
What is domestic abuse
Domestic abuse means someone close to you is hurting you.
It could be your partner.
It could be a former partner.
It could be a family member.
Abuse is not only hitting.
Abuse can also be words, money or control.
It is not your fault.
Types of abuse
Physical abuse
They hit, push, choke or pull your hair.
They throw things at you.
They lock you in the house.
Emotional and psychological abuse
They insult, humiliate or shout at you.
They tell you that you are crazy or worthless.
They make you believe it is your fault.
Coercive control
They control your phone, money, clothes and friends.
They stop you seeing your family or friends.
They constantly check where you are.
They make you afraid to say no.
Economic abuse
They take your wages or benefits.
They do not give you money for food or for the children.
They take out debts in your name.
They stop you from working.
Sexual abuse
They force you to have sex when you do not want to.
They touch you without your consent.
They pressure or threaten you into agreeing.
Threats and harassment
They threaten to hurt you, your children or your pets.
They threaten to take your children or send you back to your home country.
They follow, call or message you constantly, even after you separate.
Online abuse
They read your messages and take your passwords.
They install tracking apps on your phone.
They threaten to share photos or videos of you.
Forced marriage and so-called honour abuse
They force you to marry.
The family punishes you for bringing "shame" on them.
Children
Children who see or hear abuse at home are also victims.
Abuse harms them even if they are not hit.
Signs that you are experiencing abuse
You are afraid of your partner.
You watch what you say so they do not get angry.
You do not have access to your own money.
You feel alone and no longer see anyone.
They apologise after hurting you and promise it will not happen again.
You feel guilty all the time.
Signs that a friend is experiencing abuse
They have bruises or injuries they cannot explain.
They seem frightened or quiet around their partner.
They no longer go out or answer the phone.
Their partner answers for them or calls them constantly.
They never have any money.
What you can do: listen to them, believe them and give them the Lotus number.
Help
If you are in danger now, call 999.
If you cannot speak, call 999 from a mobile, listen and press 55.
National domestic abuse helpline, free, day and night: 0808 2000 247.
Lotus, in Romanian, free: 0800 098 2730.
Immediate danger? Call 999.
Get help from Lotus