Although there are many advantages to technology, there is a chance that it will be used against victims of domestic abuse, aggravating their circumstances and causing more pain. We may find entertainment on modern technology, stay connected to friends and…

Gaslighting is a damaging psychological manipulation technique, often found within abusive relationships. The original term gaslighting comes from the 1944 film “Gaslight,” adapted from the 1938 play “Gas Light” by Patrick Hamilton. In this blog, we will look into the…

In recent years the world has been grappling with an increasingly pressing issue – the cost of living crisis.   This crisis, characterised by soaring inflation, housing unaffordability, and stagnant wages, has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond economic hardship.   One of…

A new campaign aims to raise the profile of lesser-known types of domestic abuse and encourage those who may not realise they are being abused to come forward for support and advice. Launching on White Ribbon Day and at the…

An unhealthy relationship is one where a partner or close family member shows abusive behaviour that is disrespectful, controlling or even violent. Whilst all relationships have their ups and downs an unhealthy relationship may be, or may lead to, domestic…

Young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. Regardless of whether they can access adult support, evidence suggests that young people need a different response from adults. Young people experience a complex transition from childhood…

Technology has massive benefits, particularly in a year where we have seen lockdowns and self-isolation, but for people experiencing domestic abuse, there is a risk it can be used to make their situation worse and increase harm. Modern technology has…

On Sunday 23 April, the UK Government are testing a new emergency alert system. The new service will alert people if there is a nearby danger to life due to events such as: severe flooding fires extreme weather Alerts will…

Somerset Council’s domestic abuse service has supported a record number of young people seeking support during 2022/23. Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) helpline took 301 calls from people between the age of 16 – 20-year-olds since April last year,…

If your children see or hear domestic abuse it can have harmful physical and psychological effects, which can last for years, sometimes for life. Children who witness domestic abuse are at risk of suffering from emotional and behavioural problems as…

Somerset Council is urging the public and employers to look out for the signs of domestic abuse this Christmas. Whilst most people look forward to spending time with their loved ones at Christmas, for people experiencing domestic abuse the thought…

10% of older people will experience some form of domestic abuse and in Somerset, the number of people over 65 reporting abuse is on the increase. Social isolation has been identified as one of the leading contributors and, Somerset Council…

People experiencing domestic abuse are being urged to seek help, at a time when incidents of domestic abuse are expected to rise. Data published by the National Centre for Domestic Violence highlights that incidents of Domestic Abuse increase by 26%…

Somerset Council is urging friends and family to be vigilant and stand up to domestic abuse. The plea which first went out during the international campaign ’16 Days of Action’, which runs from 25 November to 10 December, has seen,…

People experiencing domestic abuse are now able to access local support through Somerset pharmacies thanks to a joint local initiative. Somerset Council, the Clinical Commissioning Group and the Local Pharmaceutical Council have been working with pharmacies across the county to…

There are many dangerous myths surrounding domestic abuse. The campaign is challenging some of those most extensively believed and deep-seated misconceptions.

Somerset Council has launched a new toolkit to help support employers to recognise domestic abuse. The Council is encouraging employers to play their part in tackling domestic abuse and learn how to spot signs that an employee may be in…