Getting help for domestic violence

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

It's abuse if your partner or a family member:

• threatens you
• shoves or pushes you
• makes you fear for your physical safety
• puts you down, or attempts to undermine your self-esteem
• controls you, for example by stopping you seeing your friends and family
• is jealous and possessive, such as being suspicious of your friendships and conversations
• frightens you

Where can you get help?

You don’t have to wait for an emergency situation to seek help. You can:

• talk to your doctor, health visitor or midwife
• women can call the free 24-hour National Helpline on 1800 341 900 run by Women's Aid or you can contact Womens Aid through their website at www.womensaid.ie
• men can call the AMEN confidential Helpline 046 9023718 or contact AMEN on info@amen.ie  
• in an emergency, call 999

If you decide to leave

The first step in escaping an abusive situation is realising that you're not alone and it's not your fault. Before you go, try to get advice from an organisation such:

• for women: Women's Aid or Refuge (click on for your local)
• for men Amen

If you're considering leaving, be careful who you tell. It's important that your partner doesn't know where you're going.