Two years ago, I was deemed at extreme risk for domestic violence, but now my risk level has decreased to medium due to protective measures. Although progress has been made, I emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing abuse early. I share my journey to inspire others to seek help without delay.… Read More From Extreme Risk to Medium: Two Years Later, I Am Beginning to Feel Safe
Warning signs, dangerous combinations and when to seek help By Linda CJ Turner | Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner Content warning: This article discusses domestic abuse, strangulation, threats, stalking and domestic homicide. Leaving a relationship is not always the end of domestic abuse. For some people, it is the point at which… Read More Beyond Leaving: When Domestic Abuse Becomes Life-Threatening
Domestic violence is often viewed as a private matter, but it requires public acknowledgment and support. Victims need validation and assistance from friends and family. It is essential to challenge the normalization of abuse, provide real support, and ensure that victims do not face their struggles alone. Silence only enables the abuse to persist.… Read More Enough Is Enough: Why Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence Matters
Abuse within an intimate relationship is rarely confined to a single behaviour. While public discussions often focus on physical violence, clinical understanding recognises that interpersonal abuse can occur across multiple domains simultaneously, including psychological, verbal, physical, sexual and financial abuse. When several forms of abuse coexist and interact, this can be described as multidimensional or multidomain… Read More Multidimensional Abuse: When Abuse Takes More Than One Form
Beginning a new relationship should be exciting, but it is also important to protect yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You have every right to ask questions, take things slowly, and make informed decisions about your safety. Many people don’t realise that in some countries there are official schemes that allow you… Read More Starting a New Relationship? Here’s How You Can Check if Your New Partner Has a History of Domestic Abuse
Country Disclosure Scheme Public Statistics Available England & Wales ✅ Clare’s Law (2014) Yes – annual national statistics published. Scotland ✅ Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (2015) Yes – Police Scotland publishes application and disclosure figures. Northern Ireland ✅ Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (2018) Limited public statistics. Republic of Ireland ❌ No… Read More Within Europe, the position is:
One of the most painful experiences for survivors of domestic abuse is hearing someone close to them say: “I doubt he’ll kill you.” It may be intended as reassurance, but to someone living with abuse, those words can feel dismissive, minimising, and dangerously out of touch with reality. The truth is that relatives, friends, and… Read More “I Doubt He’ll Kill You” – Why Well-Meaning Relatives Can Get It Wrong
Several countries and jurisdictions have introduced schemes inspired by Clare’s Law, although they vary in how much information can be disclosed and who can request it. United Kingdom The UK has the most established system: Right to Ask – someone can ask police about a current or former partner. Right to Know – police can proactively disclose information… Read More Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
There are sadly many cases where victims disclosed abuse, raised concerns, or were not fully believed or understood until after a serious assault or homicide. Every case is different, but they demonstrate why disclosures should be taken seriously. Some well-known examples include: Shana Grice (UK) – Shana repeatedly reported stalking and harassment by her ex-partner to… Read More Taking it seriously
Understanding the Overlap Between Intimate Partner Violence and Harm to Children Domestic abuse and child abuse are often discussed as separate issues. In reality, they frequently exist within the same household and can be driven by the same underlying patterns of coercion, control, and entitlement. Research consistently shows that while not every person who abuses… Read More When Domestic Abuse Crosses Into Child Abuse
