Domestic Abuse

No one should have to live in fear of violence from a spouse or partner, or any member of their household.

That is why bpha provides assistance and support to residents experiencing or threatened with violence, whether this be physical emotional or psychological.

Domestic abuse can be physical and emotional. It is defined as violence, or abuse that occurs between current or former partners, in a family or close relationship. It can take the form of physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse.

Domestic abuse includes: 

·    physical and sexual abuse

·    living in fear of further abuse

·    threats of further abuse 

·    harming the children

·    breaking objects, hurting pets, abusive language

·    isolating an individual from family and friends

·    controlling access to money, being prevented from going to work.

Domestic abuse also affects children living in the survivor's house and there are strong links between domestic abuse and all forms of child abuse.  It can also include honour based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

You have the right to live safely and without fear. You are not alone in this and there are many agencies that can help you. We can support you with this.

Getting help

The most important thing you can do is tell someone. You may decide quickly and easily to ask for help.

You can contact bpha, or if you have already contacted the police or another agency, you can ask them to contact us on your behalf.

What will happen at bpha?

You will have a private interview within 1 working day of making the report to us. Wherever possible a person of the same sex will talk to you, if that is what you require.

We will provide appropriate advice, assistance and support to customers who advise us they are subject to domestic violence. All interviews will be carried out in a sympathetic and supportive manner and will be totally confidential, but the interviewer may seek your permission to contact other agencies such as the Domestic Abuse Unit, Police, your local council, etc.

bpha will adopt a flexible approach in responding to incidents of domestic violence to take account of varying circumstances, the different courses of action available, and what is appropriate to the situation.

Alternatively, an officer can visit you at a location of your choice.

In an emergency ring 999 .

24 hour freephone national domestic violence helpline

0808 2000 247

For further information and support if you live in Bedford:

www.bedsdv.org.uk