Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can take many forms and it is not always physical. It can happen within current or past relationships and may involve a pattern of behaviour that leaves you feeling controlled, frightened, confused or unsure of yourself.
Domestic abuse can include emotional or psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation, monitoring your movements or communication, controlling who you see or what you do, or repeatedly putting you down and making you question yourself.
Sometimes it can be difficult to recognise that what you are experiencing is abuse, particularly when it has developed gradually over time. You may find yourself feeling as though you are walking on eggshells, questioning whether what is happening is really "that bad", making excuses for someone's behaviour or changing what you say or do to avoid conflict.
The impact can continue even after a relationship has ended. You might experience anxiety, low self-esteem, shame, guilt, difficulties trusting others, feeling constantly on edge or struggling to trust your own judgement. You may also notice patterns such as people-pleasing, putting other people's needs before your own, difficulty setting boundaries or feeling responsible for how other people feel.
Counselling can offer a safe and supportive space to begin making sense of what you have experienced, how it has affected you and what you need moving forward. We work gently and at your pace. You do not need to have everything figured out or even be certain that what you experienced was abuse before talking about it.
Experience that informs my work
My approach is shaped by over 20 years' combined experience across NHS, criminal justice, education, addiction and community settings. I've supported adults and young people whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse, trauma, difficult relationships and different ways of coping.
If you need urgent support
Evoak Counselling is not a domestic abuse crisis or emergency service. If you are currently experiencing domestic abuse and are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you need specialist domestic abuse support or help with your immediate safety, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day.
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, or need immediate mental health support, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, contact your GP or attend your nearest A&E.
