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Another common claim physically abusive people may make for their actions is that         Seeking Help

violence is necessary to control the victim and ensure they do as they are told. They     Psychological abuse can be damaging, and often taps into earlier patterns in a

may also use the excuse that their behaviour was unintentional and that they simply       person’s life. It is important that adults seek help and support to prevent the abuse

'lost it'. Alcohol and drugs are often involved in cases of physical abuse and abusive    from becoming entrenched. Acknowledging that a relationship is abusive can be a

individuals may tell the victim that it was the alcohol/drugs making them act             useful call to action. http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/emotional-abuse.

violently, not themselves.

                                                                                          Barriers to seeking help may arise from the emotional and psychological impact of

Living with physical abuse can be extremely distressing, and victims will usually be      domestic abuse, as well as practical, social or cultural reasons. Many are also

in constant fear that the acts of violence, or worse, will happen again. Whatever the     similar to those preventing people from seeking help about other safeguarding

degree of physical abuse, there is always a risk of causing a permanent disability,       issues.

injury or even death.

                                                                                          They may include:

Escaping physical abuse                                                                   ï‚· Fear of the abuser and/or what they will do

Adults being physically abused should strongly consider seeking help, either by           ï‚· Lack of knowledge/access to support services

formally reporting the abuse, making an appointment with a GP, or contacting a            ï‚· Lack of resources, financial or otherwise

dedicated helpline for support. However this can feel like too big a step, so talking to  ï‚· Love, loyalty or emotional attachment towards the abuser

someone the adult trusts can help. Speaking for the first time about physical abuse

can also be difficult, so it might help to write down feelings first or send a letter     ï‚· Feelings of shame or failure

instead. Finding the courage to open up and talk about suffering is the first step to     ï‚· Pressure from family/children/community/ friends

breaking away from the abuse and moving on. For victims of physical abuse,                ï‚· Religious or cultural expectations.

escaping a violent relationship or situation is only the first hurdle. Many may need to

attend abuse counselling sessions in order to recover their self-esteem and               https://www.tsab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/LGA.ADASS_.Adult-safeguarding-and-

confidence, and ultimately regain control of their emotional well-being.                  domestic-abuse.-Guide-to-support-practitioners.pdf



http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/physical-abuse.html                               Sources of Help:

                                                                                          What is Coercive Control by Jennifer Perry Free E-Book:

Psychological Abuse                                                                       “Educating yourself is the first step in stopping abuse - to go

Psychological abuse is common, but too few people                                         from being a victim to being a survivor”.

understand the definition of this well enough to spot it

at an early stage, and therefore prevent this from                                        http://www.digital-trust.org/advice-for-dv/cc-behaviours

becoming worse. Without the visible signs of physical

abuse, psychological abuse can stay hidden for                                            Controlling Behaviour in Relationships Young Adults Toolkit:

years. Psychological abuse may start small at first

and build into something that can be frightening and                                      https://www.tsab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Controlling-

threatening.                                                                              Behaviour-in-Relationships-talking-to-young-people-about-healthy-

                                                                                          relationships.pdf

Signs and symptoms include:

ï‚· Exclusion from meaningful events or activities                                          Controlling or Coercive Behaviour in an Intimate or

ï‚· Ignoring, imitating or mocking the person                                               Family Relationship Statutory Guidance Framework:

ï‚· Insulting or isolating the person

ï‚· Name calling                                                                            https://www.tsab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Controlling_or_coercive_behaviour_-

ï‚· Swearing or yelling                                                                     _statutory_guidance-1.pdf

ï‚· Threatening the person or threatening to take away something that is important.

                                                                                          Domestic Abuse Prevention Information Sheet: https://www.tsab.org.uk/key-

It’s important to remember that any of these examples of psychological abuse can

happen to either a man or a woman.                                                        information/prevention/domestic-violence/



          6                                                                               Find Support in Your Area: https://www.tsab.org.uk/find-support-in-your-area/



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                                                                                          Ensuring our safeguarding arrangements act to help and protect adults
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