FAQs

Psychological abuse involves the use of threats, intimidation, manipulation, and isolation to control another person. It may include gaslighting (making someone doubt their reality), undermining confidence, or making someone feel constantly on edge.

No. Psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical violence and can have long-term effects on mental health and self-esteem.

Emotional abuse often overlaps with psychological abuse but focuses more on degrading, belittling and humiliating behaviour. It’s designed to erode self-worth and emotional stability.

Constant criticism, name-calling, blame-shifting or making you feel guilty for expressing needs or opinions.

No. Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, choking, pushing, restraining or any physical harm, whether or not it leaves visible marks.

Yes. A single incident of physical harm is still abuse and can be a warning sign of escalating violence.

This is when someone controls your money, restricts your access to income, sabotages your employment or forces you to be financially dependent on them.

Yes. A partner might demand all income be transferred to them, forbid you from spending or accumulate debt in your name.

Any sexual activity without full, informed, and freely given consent is abuse. This includes pressure, manipulation, coercion or being made to perform sexual acts under threat.

Yes. Being married does not mean someone has the right to sex. Consent is always required.

It includes isolating you from friends/family, monitoring your movements, regulating your daily activities or restricting your independence.

Yes. Many survivors experience harassment, stalking, manipulation of child contact arrangements or financial sabotage after leaving.

If your partner or family member makes you feel afraid, controls your actions, or harms you emotionally, physically, sexually or financially, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. Abuse isn’t always violent – it’s often about power and control.

Yes. Abuse can affect anyone regardless of gender. Around 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. At TDAS, we offer dedicated support for men, including accommodation and one-to-one programmes.

Yes. Abuse can occur in any relationship, including same-sex or trans relationships. LGBTQ+ victims may face unique barriers such as being “outed” or having their identity used against them. We offer tailored support to reflect these experiences.

No. Abuse can be emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or coercive. Many survivors don’t have bruises or visible signs but still suffer deeply.

Yes. You don’t have to leave to receive help. We can support you with safety planning, emotional support and advice tailored to your situation, whether you stay or decide to leave later.

You’ll speak with a trained Domestic Abuse Advisor who will listen without judgement. They’ll explain your options and offer practical and emotional support. Everything you say is confidential (unless there’s a serious risk of harm).

Yes. If you’re worried about a friend, family member, colleague or client, our Support Line can advise you on how to help them safely.

That’s OK. You can still receive help without involving the police. We won’t force you to take any action you’re not ready for. We’ll support you to make informed choices at your own pace.

TDAS offers emotional and practical support for children and young people, including 1:1 sessions, group programmes like RSpace© and family-focused interventions to rebuild relationships after abuse. Children are now recognised as victims in their own right under the Domestic Abuse Act.

We offer domestic abuse training for professionals and employers. If you’re concerned about a colleague, get in touch to discuss ways you can support them safely and appropriately.

Yes. Everything you tell us stays confidential unless there’s a risk of serious harm to you or someone else. We always aim to get your consent before sharing information with other agencies.

Yes. We can support you with accessing refuge accommodation, our community properties or move-on housing. Our Homeless Move-On Advisors also work with local councils and housing providers to reduce homelessness due to domestic abuse.

Yes. We provide accessible refuge accommodation, adapted safety planning and person-centred outreach support. We also offer services for survivors facing mental health, substance use, or neurodivergence-related challenges.

Yes. We can provide interpreting services and translated materials when needed. We’ll always try to match you with culturally appropriate support where possible.

Yes. While some services are Trafford-specific, we can signpost you to domestic abuse services in your area or work in partnership with your local provider.

Yes. Under UK law, coercive control is a criminal offence, even if there is no physical violence.

Speak to our team or contact the police. Legal protections like Non-Molestation or Child Arrangement Orders may help. We can support you with safety planning and ongoing advocacy.

Leaving an abusive relationship does not always end the abuse. Many survivors experience post-separation abuse, which can be just as harmful — and often more dangerous — than what occurred during the relationship.

Post-separation abuse may include:

• Harassment, stalking, or surveillance (in person or online)
• Ongoing threats, intimidation, or emotional abuse
• Manipulation through child contact or family courts
• False allegations or reputation damage
• Financial abuse, including withholding child maintenance
• Using children as tools to control or monitor the non-abusive parent

This form of abuse is often used to maintain control even after the survivor has taken steps to leave. TDAS recognises post-separation abuse and provides support tailored to these risks, including:

• Safety planning
• Legal advice and advocacy
• Family court support
• Specialist support for parents and children navigating post-separation control

If you are still being harassed, threatened, or controlled after a separation — you are not overreacting. You are still being abused and help is available.

Visit our internet safety section for step-by-step instructions on how to remove browsing history, cookies and saved passwords from common browsers. You can also click “Exit Site” for a quick escape to a neutral page.

Yes. TDAS runs free legal surgeries in partnership with specialist solicitors. You can get confidential advice on Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, family law, divorce, child contact, and more.

A Non-Molestation Order is a court order to protect you (and your children) from someone who has been abusive. It can stop them from coming near your home, contacting you, or threatening you. It’s legally binding and breaching it is a criminal offence.

We understand this concern. We only share information with statutory services when there’s a risk of significant harm to you or your children. We aim to involve you in all decisions and will explain why and when information might be shared.

No. Asking for help is a protective act. Social services get involved when children are at risk but we work with you — not against you — to help keep your children safe and your family together.

Yes. TDAS offers 1:1 support, group programmes like RSpace© and Speak Out Speak Now© and family support to rebuild bonds. Children are now recognised in law as victims in their own right.

This is very common. Abuse affects children emotionally and behaviourally. We can help your child explore their feelings, build resilience and support you as a parent to navigate this together.

Financial abuse is common. We can support you with budgeting, accessing benefits, opening a bank account or finding financial independence. You don’t have to stay in an abusive relationship because of money.

You have the right to be safe. Many employers are now more understanding about domestic abuse. TDAS can support you to speak with HR or help your workplace develop a domestic abuse policy. We also offer training for businesses.

Yes. As part of our recovery support, we can signpost to volunteering, skills training, and employment opportunities. In our move-on accommodation and community outreach support, we’ll help you rebuild your confidence and future goals.

This is a normal trauma response. Abuse doesn’t erase love or shared experiences. You may feel conflicted — scared, loyal, confused — all at once. We won’t judge. We’ll help you process your feelings safely and rebuild your self-worth.

Yes, but it’s not true. Many survivors are manipulated into thinking they “provoked” abuse. You are not to blame — the responsibility lies 100% with the person who chooses to abuse.

There’s no single timeline. Every survivor’s journey is different. Some feel stronger after weeks; others take years. You’ll never be rushed — we’re here for as long as you need us.

We understand that leaving an abusive relationship is complex. Many survivors leave and return multiple times before staying away permanently. If you return, you are still deserving of support and safety. We’ll never judge you — we’re always here when you’re ready.