Everyone has disagreements with those close to them from time to time.  If you feel afraid of your partner or family member or feel like you are being controlled by them, then this can be a sign of domestic violence.  Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, background or socio-economic status.   Below are some warning signs to help you understand your situation.

Does your partner, ex-partner or someone you live with?

  • Cut you off from family and friends and intentionally isolate you?
  • Call you names and threaten you and/or your children?
  • Bully or control you?
  • Take control of your finances or not give you enough to buy food, medication or pay bills?
  • Threaten to have you deported because of your immigration status?
  • Monitor or limit your use of technology?
  • Physically and/or sexually abuse you?
  • Make you feel like you are constantly ‘walking on eggshells’ because of their mood swings?
  • Tell you that the abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting?
  • Demand to know where you were and who you were with?
  • Accuses you of flirting and having affairs?
  • Threaten to kill you, or to kill themselves, if you leave?

Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:

  • Coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
  • Economic abuse
  • Online abuse
  • Threats and intimidation
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse

If you have visited this website because you feel you are in immediate danger, there are a number of steps you can take to help keep you safe.

  • If you can, get out of the situation now.
  • Ring your local garda station or if it is an emergency, call 999/112.
  • Ring the Wexford Womens Refuge Freephone Helpline on 1800 220 444 or Womens Aid Freephone on 1800 341 900. The Helplines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
  • Call someone you trust and ask them to help you

If you are under 18 and have visited this website because you feel you and your family are in immediate danger, please:

  • Ring your local Garda Station or if it is an emergency, call 999/112.
  • Call Childline on 1800 66 66 66 and they will be able to tell you where you can get help near where you live. Childline is open 24 hours a day.
  • Call someone you trust and ask them to help you.