Understanding abuse

Here at the Practice we understand Abuse and Domestic Violence/Abuse as it is defined by the latest legislation. Since March 2016 the definition for Domestic Violence/Abuse is as follow:

“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:

• Psychological
• Physical
• Sexual
• Financial
• Emotional
• Controlling behaviour

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”

Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are also condiered forms of domestic violence/abuse

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-violence-and-abuse

At the Practice we also uderstand Child Abuse to be:

 “Any action by another person – adult or child – that causes significant harm to a child. It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care and attention. We know that neglect, whatever form it takes, can be just as damaging to a child as physical abuse”

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect/

 Here at the Practice we can help you by:

• Identifying and affirming your experiences and feelings with you.
• Help you explore your own resources and find more tools to ground, support and process your emotions and options.
• We work alongside you at your pace, empowering you to make the choices and changes that are right for you at this time and recover the sense of self that was harmed/abused/traumatised.