The UK government defines domestic violence as any incident or pattern of incidents involving controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between individuals aged 16 or older who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This abuse can include, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional harm.

If you are an adult experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact DASSL (Domestic Abuse Support Services Lancashire) on 0300 303 3581.

You can also access support 24/7 via our Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111. If you’re in immediate danger, always call 999.

If you need urgent police help but cannot speak, you should:

• dial 999
• listen to the questions from the operator
• respond by coughing or tapping your device, if you can
• if prompted, press 55 to let the operator know it’s a genuine emergency and you’ll be put through to police.