Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Town Council

Search

NOTICEBOARD

Beyond the bruises – Somerset’s new fight against non-physical domestic abuse

A new campaign aims to raise the profile of lesser-known types of domestic abuse and encourage those who may not realise they are being abused to come forward for support and advice.

Launching on White Ribbon Day and at the beginning of the worldwide campaign 16 Days of Action Somerset Council has commissioned 12 short films to shine the spotlight on non-physical types of domestic abuse.

The films direct anyone who is experiencing these forms of abuse to a new website, somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk, where they can get more information, support and advice or by contacting the service on 0800 69 49 999.

The films, available to view here: https://bit.ly/12DACF, will be launched on TV and across a range of social, digital and video sharing platforms.

Councillor Adam Dance, Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, emphasised the importance of recognising that domestic abuse encompasses more than just physical violence. “Domestic abuse is often thought of as physical violence,” he stated, “but abuse can take many forms, such as using a variety of methods to control someone – for example, controlling someone’s money, what they wear, who they see or what they do.

“It is my hope that these short films will help people recognise abusive behaviour in themselves, their relationships or the relationships of their friends and family.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to lead a happy, healthy and safe life free from abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing these types of behaviour from a family member, partner or ex-partner, please seek help – you will be believed.”

The new films are part of Somerset Council’s ongoing commitment to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 created a legal definition of domestic abuse:

  1. Both the person who is carrying out the behaviour and the person to whom the behaviour is directed towards are aged 16 years or over
  2. Both persons are “personally connected” (including ex-partners and family members)

You do not have to be living with the person who is being abusive to you.

There are many types of behaviours that can form non-physical domestic abuse, these may include:

  • Violent or threatening behaviour
  • Controlling or coercive behaviour
  • Economic abuse
  • Psychological or emotional
  • Stalking and harassment – including online or via text message

If you are experiencing any form of domestic abuse, worried about someone you know, or are concerned about the impact of your behaviour towards others, then help is available: somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 69 49 999 – between 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week.

In an emergency you should always dial 999. If you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent, tap the phone and dial 55 when prompted by the operator who will send help.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can register with emergencySMS.net. Once registered you will be able to send a text to 999 if you require help in an emergency.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can register with emergencySMS.net. Once registered you will be able to send a text to 999 if you require help in an emergency.

Other News

Passenger Feedback Survey

Somerset Bus Partnership would like to collect your opinions about the buses in Somerset, how they can be improved, and the major issues affecting your use of the bus. They will use the results of

Office Closure

Due to the office being used as a Polling Station, Reception will be closed on Thursday 4th July. Contact us as usual via telephone & email.

Categories

Categories

Archives

Archives

Newsletter

Have our newsletter delivered direct to your inbox.

Be the first to hear our latest news.

Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Council Logo

Thank You

Please check your inbox for any email verifications to ensure you complete the signup process.

Records Retention Schedule

Financial Risk Management Policy - March 2023

Grant Application Kings Coronation Form

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023, with an additional bank holiday on Monday 8th May 2023.

We are keen to hear from groups/organisations in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge that are looking to celebrate the Coronation. The Town Council has £1500 available to allocate to events being organised to celebrate the Kings Coronation. The maximum grant to be allocated per event will be £500.

You must meet the following criteria for your application to be considered:

– The event will be open to all members of the public

– The event will be free of charge

– The event will take place within the Coronation weekend

– The event will take place within Burnham on Sea or Highbridge

 

Applications will close on Monday 6th March at midday. 

Your organisation and contact details

What happens next....
Applications will be considered at the Finance and Resources Committee Meeting on Monday 13th March 2023. You will be notified after this date whether your application has been successful.
Burnham & Highbridge Town Council takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information for the purposes of contacting you about this grant. The Council’s privacy notice can be found here.

We use cookies to help make this site better. Read more about our cookie policy.

Skip to content