For immediate help at any time, please call us on 03300 564456 (24 hour)
For immediate help at any time, please call us on 03300 564456 (24 hour)
Any action that intentionally harms or injures another person. In short, someone who purposely harms another in any way is committing abuse.
A person who subjects another person to abuse.
Adverse Childhood Experiences - stressful or traumatic experiences that can have a huge impact on children and young people throughout their lives.
Adolescent to parent abuse happens when an older child physically, emotionally or financially abuses their parent
Getting support from another person to help you express your views and wishes, and help you stand up for your rights.
A process of targeted enquiry across the Welsh public service in relation to violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence and a process of routine enquiry within maternal and midwifery services mental health and child maltreatment settings.
DASH refers to a Risk Identification and Assessment Model which is used by professionals working within the public protection sphere. The purpose of DASH is to recognise and assess so that Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour Based Violence can be identified, prevented, and interventions staged.
Child abuse is 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. It often happens over a period of time, rather than being a one-off event.
Sexual abuse of children involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.
Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator.
When a child uses physical, psychological, emotional or financial abuse to gain power over their parent/s or carers.
If you are concerned that a new, former or existing partner has an abusive past you can ask the police to check under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as ‘Clare’s Law’). This is your ‘right to ask’. If records show that you may be at risk of domestic abuse, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.
A pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence
By law, a person consents to sexual activity if she or he agrees by choice, and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
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.
A talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues.
Immediate, short-term support centred around safety planning and risk management, with the option for referral into longer-term support and other services.
Children and young people
DASH refers to a Risk Identification and Assessment Model which is used by professionals working within the public protection sphere. The purpose of DASH is to recognise and assess so that Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour Based Violence can be identified, prevented, and interventions staged.
The term disclosure refers to an incident of abuse being told. Disclosure implies that all is told in some point in time, but often those that disclose may do so little by little, giving hints of something wrong.
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, a combination of psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
The Domestic Abuse Act is the first act to provide a legal definition of ‘Domestic Abuse’. The Act allows for wider recognition in relation to domestic abuse related crimes as well as recognition to victims, survivors, and perpetrators. It emphasises that Domestic Abuse is not just physical violence, but it can also be emotional, controlling, coercive and economic abuse.
Like the previous Domestic Violence Protection Notice, a DAPN gives victims immediate protection following an incident. A DAPN is issued by the police and could, for example, require a perpetrator to leave the victim’s home for up to 48 hours.
Like the previous Domestic Violence Protection Order, DAPOs are a civil order that fills a “gap” in providing protection to victims by putting in place protective measures in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident, where there is insufficient evidence to charge a perpetrator and provide protection to a victim via bail conditions. DAPOs can impose both prohibitions and positive requirements on perpetrators.
If you are concerned that a new, former or existing partner has an abusive past you can ask the police to check under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as ‘Clare’s Law’). This is your ‘right to ask’. If records show that you may be at risk of domestic abuse, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.
Often used interchangeably with Financial Abuse, which is exerting control over a person by controlling their finances, removing any independence or autonomy and creating financial reliance. May also involve controlling future earning potential by preventing the person from getting a job or education.
A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.
Abuse that is characterised by subjecting another person to psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may involve, bullying, gas-lighting or other methods of creating a power imbalance. Can also be referred to as psychological abuse.
Female genital mutilation or FGM refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is internationally recognised as a human rights violation and is illegal in the UK.
At its core, feminism is the belief in full social, economic, and political equality for women. The Women's Aid movement recognises that violence against women is a result of gender inequality in society.
Exerting control over a person by controlling their finances, removing any independence or autonomy and creating financial reliance. May also involve controlling future earning potential by preventing the person from getting a job or education.
Community-based, housing-related support for people who are experiencing, or have recently experienced, domestic abuse.
Forced marriage is when you face physical pressure to marry (for example, threats, physical violence or sexual violence) or emotional and psychological pressure (e.g. if you’re made to feel like you’re bringing shame on your family). Taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place) and marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether they’re pressured to or not) are both illegal in England and Wales.
A form of psychological abuse in which a person or group causes someone to question their own sanity, memories, or perception of reality.
(a) violence, threats of violence or harassment arising directly or indirectly from values, beliefs or customs relating to gender or sexual orientation; (b) female genital mutilation; (c) forcing a person (whether by physical force or coercion by threats or other psychological means) to enter into a religious or civil ceremony of marriage (whether or not legally binding);
Grooming is when someone builds an emotional connection with a child to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or trafficking. Children can be groomed online or face-to-face, by a stranger or by someone they know.
A course of conduct by a person which he or she knows or ought to know amounts to harassment of the other.
Honour based violence or HBV refers to abuse which is carried out to enforce the rules of various beliefs, cultures, values, and/or social norms. Perpetrators of this form of abuse claim upholding these rules as a justification for their actions. This form of violence is more commonly carried out against women and girls.
Developed to help people access the right services in their local authority area through one single route, Gateways are co-ordinated by each individual Council's Housing Support team. Individuals can refer themselves to their council's Gateway or can be referred by someone advocating on their behalf. Once referrals are received, they will be assessed and referred to the schemes that meet their identified needs.
Trained specialist worker who provides short to medium-term casework support for high risk victims of domestic abuse.
Trained specialist worker who provides short to medium-term casework support for victims of sexual abuse.
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
A perpetrator can have any relationship to a victim, and that includes the role of an intimate partner. No matter how the relationship is defined and who the relationship is with, it is never okay to engage in sexual activity without someone’s consent.
An ISP is a personalised plan that helps someone to prepare, in advance, for a violent or abusive situation. An ISP can help to increase safety for a victim and their family. It is not limited to, but may include: thinking ahead to how you could react in various situations; packing an emergency bag with money, medication, and other important items you may need; planning an escape route; keeping important phone numbers of people or organisations which can help.
The acronym for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace.
National helpline for people in Wales, providing help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
A MARAC, or multi-agency risk assessment conference, is a meeting where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases between representatives of local police, probation, health, child protection, housing practitioners, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors.
Mentoring matches a child with a mentor, facilitating problem-free time with a positive role model.
Misogyny is the hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women or girls. It can also refer to social systems or environments where women face hostility and hatred because they’re women in a world created by and for men - a historical patriarchy.
Slavery was officially abolished many years ago – yet it still goes on today in most countries around the world, including in the UK. Modern slavery and trafficking often leads to sexual exploitation, where victims are forced to perform non-consensual or sexual acts against their will (such as prostitution, escort work and pornography).
A MARAC, or multi-agency risk assessment conference, is a meeting where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases between representatives of local police, probation, health, child protection, housing practitioners, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors.
No Recourse to Public Funds is a condition that applies to most migrants in the UK until they have obtained a permanent settled status called Indefinite Leave to Remain or have naturalised as citizens. This means they have no entitlement to the majority of welfare benefits, including income support, housing benefit and a range of allowances and tax credits.
A non-molestation order is a type of injunction that you can apply for through the family court. These orders are granted in order to prevent a partner, or former partner (or other “associated person”), from causing you or children harm.
Issued by family court, an occupation order sets out who has the right to stay at the family home, who can return and who should be excluded.
Support services aimed at enhancing parenting skills and practices in order to address children’s physical, emotional and social needs.
A system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.
Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other.
An abuser, or - more widely - a person who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act.
The use of physical force to intentionally harm another person.
Protection of Vulnerable Adults Teams (POVA) work to ensure that all vulnerable adults are protected from abuse and neglect and when a referral is received it may be necessary to take action to keep individuals safe from further actual harm or risk of harm.
A PPN is an information sharing document which allows police officers to record safeguarding concerns when identified. Where necessary, the PPN will be forwarded to partner agencies for their information and further action (e.g. making contact to offer support, when consent has been given).
In the Equality Act 2010, nine characteristics were identified as 'protected characteristics': age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation. The Equality Act aims to protect people against discrimination because of their protected characteristics.
Abuse that is characterised by subjecting another person to psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may involve, bullying, gas-lighting or other methods of creating a power imbalance. Can also be referred to as psychological abuse.
The UK legal definition of rape is the penetration with a penis of the vagina, anus or mouth of another person without their consent. There is also an offence of 'sexual assault by penetration' which applies to penetration with any part of the body other than the penis or any object, without consent – this can carry the same sentences as rape.
A refuge is a safe house where women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse can stay free from fear.
If the police charge your abuser and the case goes to the criminal courts then the court may make a restraining order to protect you. A restraining order is a court order which prohibits your abuser from doing certain things such as contacting you or attending your place of work or home address. Breaching (breaking) a restraining order is a criminal offence.
Revenge Porn is the sharing of private, sexual materials, either photos or videos, of another person without their consent and with the purpose of causing embarrassment or distress. Now a criminal offence, it applies both online and offline and includes the uploading of images on the internet, sharing by text and e-mail, or showing someone a physical or electronic image.
Risk identification and assessment is a crucial practice to keep people safe in cases of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Risk assessments are carried out by support workers as part of the risk management and safety planning process.
Measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people - especially children, young people and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.
The process of putting together a plan of action that can help keep individuals safer if they are at risk from an abuser.
Undesired sexual behaviour by one person to another. This is often carried out by force or be taking advantage of the other person. This term is generally used when the sexual behaviour is regular or over a prolonged period of time.
The overall definition of sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. It can involve forcing or manipulating someone to witness or participate in any sexual acts.
Sexual exploitation is the exploitation of young people and adults through the exchange of sex or sexual acts for money, drugs, food, shelter, gifts and protection. Sexual exploitation can take place anywhere, including on street, in brothels/parlours, online and can also involve human trafficking.
Sexual harassment is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that you find offensive or which makes you feel distressed, intimidated or humiliated. Sexual bullying/harassment can include: someone making sexually degrading comments or gestures; your body being stared or leered at; e-mails or text messages with sexual content; Pressurising someone to do sexting; physical behaviour, including unwelcome sexual advances and touching.
Directing people to support services or other organisations that may be able to help them
Stalking and harassment occurs not only in a domestic abuse setting – people can be stalked by strangers or acquaintances too. Stalking is a specific type of harassment, often described as a pattern of unwanted, fixated or obsessive behaviour which is intrusive, and causes fear of violence or serious alarm and distress.
A Stalking Protection Order is given by a magistrates’ court in order to subject an individual to requirements or restrictions. Typically, this would be done to protect a victim of stalking from a stalker. A perpetrator does not need to be found guilty of an offence to be given an SPO.
Safety, Trust and Respect is a project developed by Welsh Women’s Aid working with young children who have witnessed domestic abuse.
A person who carries on in the face of adversity, surviving in spite of trauma.
The Women's Aid movement was born in the early 1970s, when women began to set up refuges across the UK. It has since grown into an international movement which campaigns for justice and supports all survivors and victims of domestic violence.
There are many different types of therapy, including talking therapies (e.g. counselling), creative therapies (e.g. music/art therapy) as well as different approaches to the therapeutic process.
Human trafficking is the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labour, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others.
Going through very stressful, frightening or distressing events is sometimes called trauma. When we talk about emotional or psychological trauma, we might mean: situations or events we find traumatic and/or how we're affected by our experiences. Traumatic events can happen at any age and can cause long-lasting harm.
Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence
The Wales Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2022 to 2026, was launched in May 2022, setting out six key aims that the Welsh Government, together with partners in the public and third sector will commit to.
A person who has been subject to harm.
The experience of gender based violence by women.
The purpose of the VAWDASV Act is to improve prevention, protection and support for people affected by VAWDASV across Wales. It introduced two duties for public bodies: National Training Framework - to help professionals deal with disclosures of abuse and ensure a consistent approach across services - and ‘Ask & Act’ - a simple approach that requires professionals to identify indicators of abuse, ask service users if they are experiencing abuse, and act appropriately on any disclosures
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