White Ribbon Day 2024

Everyone deserves to feel safe at home. This White Ribbon Day UK, we’re coming together to understand how we can make a difference. Domestic abuse is not just a personal issue—it’s a community issue. Together, we can create safer spaces for everyone, with a particular focus on men stepping up to help build a culture of respect and safety.

This guide aims to help people:

• Understand what domestic abuse is.
• Recognise the signs.
• Know how to report abuse and access support.
• Take action to create safer environments for those around you.

By working together, we can help prevent abuse and ensure every person feels valued, respected, and safe in their own home.

Understanding domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can take many forms. It isn’t always physical and can happen to anyone in all types of relationships. Here are the main types:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, kicking, or any other form of physical harm.
• Emotional abuse: Insults, belittling, constant criticism, and threats that harm self-esteem and mental health.
• Sexual abuse: Any forced sexual activity or pressure to have sex.
• Financial abuse: Controlling someone’s money, stealing from them, or stopping them from working.
• Psychological abuse: Intimidation, threats, manipulation, and creating fear.
• Digital abuse: Using technology to harass, monitor, or control someone.

Recognising the signs of domestic abuse

Some signs of domestic abuse can be visible, while others are subtle. Being aware helps us better support those around us:

• Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries. Frequent accidents.
• Behavioural signs: Pulling away from friends and family, personality changes, increased anxiety or depression.
• Emotional signs: Low self-esteem, constant fearfulness, and appearing overly anxious to please their partner.
• Financial signs: Lack of access to money, sudden financial hardship, or difficulty explaining where money has gone.
• Psychological signs: Confusion, difficulty making decisions, or signs of being manipulated or controlled.
• Digital signs: Being constantly checked on via phone or social media, appearing anxious when receiving texts or calls.

Healthy relationships

Everyone deserves to be in a healthy, loving relationship. Here are some signs of a healthy relationship:

• Mutual respect: Both partners respect each other’s opinions, feelings, and boundaries.
• Open communication: Honest and open conversations where both partners feel heard.
• Trust: Both partners trust each other and feel secure.
• Equality: Both partners share decision-making and responsibilities.
• Support: Both partners support each other’s goals and ambitions.

Benefits of leaving an unhealthy relationship

Leaving an unhealthy relationship can be difficult, but it is important for your well-being. Here are some benefits of leaving:

• Safety: You are no longer in a harmful environment.
• Improved mental health: Reduced anxiety, stress, and depression.
• Self-esteem: Regaining confidence and self-worth.
• Freedom: The ability to make your own choices and live your life independently.
• Healthy future relationships: The opportunity to build healthier relationships in the future.

Everyone deserves to be in a relationship that is safe, respectful, and supportive. You are worthy of love and respect, and it is possible to find happiness and peace.

How you can take action when experiencing domestic abuse

You don’t have to face domestic abuse alone. Here are steps you can take to get help and stay safe:

• Reach Out: Contact a trusted friend, family member, or support service for help.
• Seek Support: Call the Rhondda Cynon Taff Domestic Abuse Services on 01443 494190, Call Rise Cardiff on 02920460566 or the Live Fear Free Helpline at 0808 8010 800 for confidential advice.
• Make a Safety Plan: Plan where you can go and what you can take if you need to leave quickly.
• Document Abuse: If safe to do so, keep a record of any incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions.
• Report to Authorities: In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergencies, contact South Wales Police at 101.

Remember, help is available, and you are not alone. Taking action is a brave first step towards a safer, healthier future.

How You Can Take Action as a Witness

If you suspect or witness someone experiencing domestic abuse, your support could save their lives:

• Reach Out: Offer a listening ear and let them know you are there for them without judgment.
• Provide Information: Share contact details for support services like Rhondda Cynon Taff Domestic Abuse Services (01443 494190), Rise Cardiff (02920 460 566) or the Live Fear Free Helpline (0808 8010 800).
• Encourage Professional Help: Urge them to contact the police or support services, especially if they are in immediate danger.
• Respect Privacy: Be discreet and ensure your actions do not put them at further risk.
• Be Supportive: Offer practical help, such as accompanying them to appointments or providing a safe place if needed.

Your intervention can provide the support they need to take the first step towards safety and recovery.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please seek help immediately. Here are the steps you can take to report it:

1. In an Emergency: Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
2. Local Police: Contact the South Wales Police by calling 101 for non-emergencies.
3. Support Services:
   • Rhondda Cynon Taff Domestic Abuse Services: Call 01443 494190 for confidential advice and support.
   • Rise Cardiff: Call 02920 460 566 for confidential advice and support.
   • Live Fear Free Helpline: Available 24/7 at 0808 8010 800 or via live chat on their website.
   • Victim Support: Call 0808 1689 111 for help and advice.
4. Medical Help: Visit your local GP or hospital for assistance with injuries and to report the abuse.
5. Local Authorities: Contact Rhondda Cynon Taff Council or Cardiff Council’s social services for support and to report abuse.

If you’re a Trivallis tenant you can also self-refer for support via the My Trivallis portal on our website, email communitysafety@trivallis.co.uk or call 03000 030 888.

You can also contact your housing officer directly or visit them at their local drop in. To check their details or find your nearest drop in, search your address on our neighbourhood pages.

We have further information on reporting domestic abuse or support available.