Helplines in Northern Ireland.

Abuse and domestic violence hotlines are available in Northern Ireland

Domestic abuse is any behaviour that aims to dominate or maintain control over a partner, spouse, family member or girlfriend/boyfriend. The abuse may be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or financial in nature. You may feel controlled, threatened, coerced or demeaned.

One in three women and one in three men have experienced abuse or domestic violence. You might be afraid of reaching out for support. However, there are people who are equipped and willing to help you. Consider reaching out to any of the 3 hotlines in Northern Ireland who with abuse and domestic violence if you are experiencing these signs:

• Your partner/family member yells at you
• Your partner/family member has an unpredictable, violent temperament, and they direct the anger at you
• Your belongings and property being destroyed
• Avoiding certain topics so that you don’t anger your partner/family member
• Being exposed to intimidation and coercion
• Your devices are being monitored or tracked by a partner/family member
• You are embarrassed for your close ones to see how your partner/family member treats you
• Being forced to have sex or perform other sexual activities that you don’t want to

Experiencing a wide range of emotions is perfectly normal for victims of abuse and domestic violence. Doubting the clarity of your mind or your ability to understand what’s happening is also a common consequence of the abuse you have experienced.

You might feel insecure and unsure what the right thing to do in your situation is. Fortunately, there are professionals and volunteers in Northern Ireland who have experience helping domestic violence and abuse victims. They could help you find your way towards a better life.

Consider contacting a helpline in Northern Ireland for free, confidential help with abuse and domestic violence today.