Domestic abuse is abusive behaviour between those aged over 16 years who are personally connected to each other. A personal connection exists where they are, or have been, intimate partners or family members, even after separation.
According to the Domestic Abuse Act (2021), behaviour is considered abusive when it consists of any of the following:
The North Yorkshire and City of York Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024-2028 shows our commitment to our continued prioritisation of tackling domestic abuse. It builds on the achievements of North Yorkshire and York's multi-agency response and strategic approach, which has been in place since 2018.
- physical or sexual abuse
- violence or threatening behaviour
- controlling and coercive abuse, even after separation
- economic abuse - any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect to acquire use or maintain money or other property, or obtain goods or services
- psychological, emotional, or other abuse
Domestic abuse can occur regardless of age, gender identity or reassignment, religion, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, marital status, or background.
A child who sees, or hear, or experiences the effect of domestic abuse and is related to the person being abused or the perpetrator is also regarded as a victim of domestic abuse.
Further information around the definition of domestic abuse and the different types of abuse is available within the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
- Controlling and coercive behaviour
- Getting help and support
- York Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board
- White Ribbon Accreditation
- Survivor Voice Survey
- Additional information
Controlling and coercive behaviour
Controlling and coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation, or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. This type of domestic abuse can be difficult to detect.
Examples may include:
- isolating a person from their friends and family
- depriving them of their basic needs
- monitoring their time
- monitoring a person via online communication tools or using spyware
- taking control over aspects of their everyday life, such as where they can go, who they can see, what to wear and when they can sleep
Getting help and support
In an emergency, if someone is immediate danger or your safety is threatened, call North Yorkshire Police on 999.
Local Independent Domestic Abuse Services
Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) provide support and advice to men and women across York and North Yorkshire.
IDAS Helpline: 03000 110 110.
Live is chat is also available via the IDAS website.
Foundation +Choices
Our service offer a perpetrator behaviour change program. This service aims to promote positive behaviour change among those who harm and is provided by Foundation.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline service operates a 24-hour free phone line and a live chat.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Domestic abuse: how to get help
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.
- Domestic abuse: how to get help (GOV.UK)
York Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board
The York Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board (DALPB) has a key strategic role in providing governance to domestic abuse services within York, ensuring that they meet the needs of local victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
The DALPB is responsible for ensuring that the City of York Council meets its statutory duties under Part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
The DALPB will include representation from all key agencies and sectors. The group will deliver a commitment to victims and survivors to continue to reduce the incidence, impact and subsequent effects of domestic abuse on families across York.
Further details regarding the governance of domestic abuse, including copies of our Domestic Abuse Strategy and Safe Accommodation Strategy, are available via the Safer York Partnership website.
White Ribbon Accreditation
White Ribbon Accreditation is a nationally recognised programme for organisations who are committed to improving their workplace culture, progressing gender equality, and ending violence against women and girls.
City of York Council is White Ribbon accredited, highlighting our commitment to working to end violence against women and girls.
Survivor Voice Survey
We're capturing victim voice through several different channels across the city. We're hoping to establish a group of adult victim survivors to gather an in-depth local picture of some key issues within York. Specifically, we're seeking to gain an insight into the journey from the recognition of being in an abusive situation to then telling somebody else about it (disclosure) and then the process of accessing support.
We're wanting this information to help us gain a picture of what this journey looks like for an individual so we can embed victim voice into future services, support pathways and support within York.
We would like responses to be representative of the population within York, however we aim to proactively recruit those who are underrepresented and face additional barriers when seeking domestic abuse support.
Take part in the Survivor Voice Survey
All responses are anonymous.
It’s important that all residents can access this survey in the way they want to. If you're unable to complete the survey online, you can go into an Explore Library or Family Hub to ask for a paper copy with self-addressed envelope.
Additional information
Further information and support is available regarding the safeguarding of both adults and children in York.
Safeguarding adults in York
If you're not sure what to do to protect a vulnerable adult, further information is available via the City of York Safeguarding Adults Board website.
Safeguarding children in York
If you are concerned about a child then further information is available via the City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership website.