If you think you or someone else you know is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for Thames Valley Police.
Call 101 in a non-emergency.
If you're reading this, you might be worried that some of your actions are hurting the people close to you and you want help to change.
You might be asking yourself:
- am I being abusive?
- am I harming those I love?
- how do I change my behaviour?
Forms of abusive behaviour
Abuse can take many forms, including:
- physical abuse - hitting, punching, choking, or any kind of physical harm
- emotional or psychological abuse - things like gaslighting, manipulation, or trying to control someone's thoughts or feelings
- sexual abuse - pressuring someone into sex or punishing them for saying no
- financial abuse - controlling someone's money, stopping them from working, or using their money without permission
- post-separation abuse - contacting someone when they've asked you not to, tracking their movements, or trying to pressure them into getting back together
Learn more about different types of abusive behaviour on the Respect Phoneline website.
Admitting that your behaviour might be harmful is hard but it's an important first step. Becoming aware of how you act and how it affects others is the beginning of taking responsibility and making a change.
Help to change
Plain Talking (Bracknell)
A free one-on-one support service is available for men and women. This service helps individuals who recognise that their relationship behaviour has become problematic. It guides them to make positive, healthy and long-term changes.
You will get 6 one-to-one sessions. They are a chance to pause, learn about and notice the habits and thoughts that have become a part of how you live and connect with those around you.
Investing your time now can help you build a healthy and respectful relationship as a husband, wife or parent.
All sessions are with an experienced practitioner. They will help you explore the areas of life where you face challenges. Their goal is to support you and provide a reflective space. They will help you develop a better way to manage difficult moments.
Some of the areas they may talk about include:
- perspective taking
- identifying 'trigger points'
- communication skills
- conflict resolution
- respectful negotiation and positive assertiveness
- emotional regulation
They can tailor the support to suit your specific needs because one size doesn't fit all.
For more information, contact the Community Safety team by:
- email: community.safety@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
- phone: 01344 352999 (this is an answerphone only service - leave your details and a team member will contact you)
Respect Phoneline (national)
Contact Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040. They will talk to you about what you can do to have a non-abusive relationship or signpost you to a community programme that will work with you to change.