Disability and domestic abuse

By Published On: April 28, 2025Categories: Uncategorized

Overview

Disabled adults are more likely to experience domestic abuse than non-disabled adults regardless of age. Disabled adults are also more likely to be abused by a family member, partner or carer.

It’s not ok.

NIDAS is here to support anyone in Norfolk who’s experiencing domestic abuse.

Read on for information on what is domestic abuse, how it can happen differently for people who have a disability, and what you can do to access support.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and/or violent behaviour, including sexual violence. A legal definition of domestic abuse was introduced as part of the Domestic Abuse Act, which became law in 2021.

Example of domestic abuse can be:

  • Physical abuse g. throwing things at you, pulling your hair, damaging your personal belongings
  • Financial abuse g. does not allow partner to work, uses your disability income for themselves
  • Emotional/Psychological abuse g. threatening to withhold care and/or treatment, embarrassing you in front of family and friends
  • Stalking and harassment g. appearing in places that you go to unexpectedly, receiving unwanted texts, calls and/or letters
  • Sexual abuse g. forcing the person to do things they don’t want to, making decisions about birth control and/or pregnancy
  • Coercive control g. making you dress in a certain way, enforcing rules and regulations and consequences

I think I’m being abused, what do I do?

If you feel you’re in immediate danger, call the Police on 999. If you are deaf, please use the BSL 999 service. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please use the Relay Assistant service here. If you need to make a silent 999 call please follow these instructions here.

You can also contact NIDAS and speak to our specialist Disability Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, who will listen to you and be there for you every step of the way.

We can help you with:

  • Tailored and individualised risk and safety planning
  • Understanding the criminal justice system
  • Advice and guidance in keeping safe

We can support you no matter where you are in Norfolk. Our aim is to listen to you, to guide you and to be by your side. You only have to tell us your story once. Our service will support you, your needs, your journey – your freedom.