16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence 2020 

16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence is aimed at businesses to support them to take action against domestic abuse and violence. It is a ticking clock.

Spanning across 16 days from 25th November to 10th December to explore the various forms of domestic violence. To be better equipped to acknowledge the signs that indicate it may be going on. 

Signs of Domestic Abuse/Violence 

If you’re afraid of your partner, that’s a big red flag. You may be scared to say what you think, to bring up certain topics, or to say no to sex. No matter the reason, fear has no place in a healthy relationship. 

If you feel like you’re being abused, there’s a good chance you may be, and it’s worth getting help. Keep that in mind as you think about these signs: 

• Is your partner jealous and possessive? 
• Is he charming one minute and abusive the next? 
• Does he tell you what to wear, where to go, who to see? 
• Does he constantly put you down? 
• Does he play mind games and make you doubt your judgment? 
• Does he control your money? 
• Does he pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to? 
• Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making him angry? 
• Does he monitor or track your movements or messages? 
• Does he use anger and intimidation to frighten and control you? 

Forms of domestic abuse 

• Psychological abuse 
• Includes name-calling, threats and manipulation, blaming you for the abuse or ‘gas-lighting’ you. 

• Economic abuse 
• Controlling your access to money or resources. He might take your wages, stop you working, or put you in debt. 

• Sexual abuse 
• Doesn’t have to be physical. He might manipulate or coerce you into doing things you don’t want to do. 

• Coercive control  
• When an abuser uses a pattern of behaviour over time to exert power and control. It is a criminal offence. 

• Physical abuse 
• Not only hitting. He might restrain you or throw objects. He might pinch or shove you and claim it’s a ‘joke’. 

• Tech abuse 
• He might send abusive texts, demand access to your devices, track you with spyware, or share images of you online. 

If you have spotted any signs of domestic abuse reaching out to your friend is the first step. Leaving a violent partner is a process, not a single act. It takes, on average, seven attempts before a woman is able to leave for good. Then afterwards there are difficult times. A friend you can give vital support. 

In my Acupuncture practice I have treated many women over the years who have been in abusive domestic violence relationships. It is often a long journey to be free of a partner who has abused and controlled you. Traditional Five Element Acupuncture treats you as a whole caring for your whole system in Body, Mind and Spirit to build the inner strength you need to be free and recover from these abusive relationships.  

I will always encourage women to get other help as needed, for their emotional physical and financial situation. Over the years I have walked alongside my patients as they become stronger, giving acupuncture and support to live a free life. 

As a survivor myself of domestic abuse, both physical and emotional in past relationships and family, I can help and relate to my patients and encourage them. There is a way forward. 

Please do get in touch with me to help you through difficult times contact Hannah on :- https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/contact/

For help contact Refuge https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ or speak to a trusted friend, your GP or Practice Nurse