October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness, show solidarity, and remind people across Somerset that help is available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or circumstance. It’s not only physical – it can also be emotional, psychological, economic or sexual. What defines domestic abuse is the use of power and control to cause harm, fear, or isolation within a relationship, by an ex partner or family member.
At Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe at home. This month, we are encouraging people across the county to learn how to recognise the signs, reach out for support, and help others do the same.
Recognising the signs of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can take many forms, and the warning signs are not always obvious. Common indicators may include:
• A partner, ex-partner, or family member who controls who you see or where you go.
• Someone monitoring your phone, messages, or social media.
• Being criticised, belittled, or blamed for their behaviour.
• Economic control, such as restricting access to money, transport or employment.
• Physical violence, intimidation, or sexual coercion.
If any of this sounds familiar – whether in your own life or someone else’s – you are not alone. Support is available.
How Somerset Domestic Abuse Service can help
Somerset Domestic Abuse Service offers free, confidential advice and support to anyone affected by domestic abuse – including children and young people.
Our trained and compassionate team can provide:
- Practical and emotional support, tailored to your situation.
- Safety planning, housing and legal advice.
- Support for children and families affected by abuse.
- Access to counselling including that for children.
- Help for people who want to change their abusive behaviour.
We work in partnership with local organisations, the police, health professionals and community groups across Somerset to ensure every person who reaches out receives the right support at the right time.
If you are in danger or need support
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted – the Silent Solution system will connect you to the police.
At the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, we work to ensure survivors are supported not just in finding safety, but also in rebuilding emotional wellbeing. By raising awareness, we hope to encourage more people to reach out for help and to feel validated in their experiences.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, reach out to Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, a confidential and experienced organisation that can provide the right support, including support for those having suicidal thoughts as a result of domestic abuse. Help is available, and you are not alone:
- Call: 0800 69 49 999 (8am–8pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays)
- Website: Somerset Domestic Abuse (including live chat)
- Email: domesticabuseservice@somerset.gov.uk
• For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British sign language (BSL) you can go to 999 BSL for a BSL interpreter.
You can also find guidance on supporting a friend, neighbour, or colleague who may be experiencing abuse.
Together, we can make a difference
Domestic abuse affects thousands of people each year — but with awareness, understanding and compassion, we can help break the cycle.
This Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, join us in standing together for safety, respect and hope. Share information, start conversations, and let others know that support is available right here in Somerset.
No one should face abuse alone — Somerset Domestic Abuse Service is here to help.
