What Services can SNAP offer?

• Someone to talk and confide with
• Friendly and constructive advice
• Complete confidentiality
• Understanding Advisors

It may seem an easy question but: WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Domestic violence is the physical, emotional, mental, sexual or financial abuse of one person towards another within the context of a close relationship which includes partners, ex-partners and family members.  It affects people from all walks of life regardless of gender, race, class, religion or sexual orientation.

Physical abuse can include slapping, beating, kicking and other physical injuries, scarring or even death.

Sexual abuse means being forced to have sex against your will, being forced to have sex with other people or in ways that hurt you.

But that is not all. It could be constant criticism and being told that you are useless, ugly or worthless. Or threats to kill you (or harm you - or the children), bullying, being locked in to a house or room or closed space, not being allowed to see your friends or family, and not letting you eat or sleep. These are all unacceptable.

It may even be a man that is suffering the abuse. It is very much harder for men to report their abuse because they are often not believed. They are derided, and feel humiliated and ashamed. Many men put up with their abuse because they do not wish to lose contact with their children.