We were delighted to welcome @annaturley.bsky.social to EVA yesterday. She met with our CEO, Anthea, to discuss future plans and funding for vital community projects, and toured our children's counselling room. A great chance to highlight the impact of our work and the need for continued support.

EVA is thrilled to announce that Anthea Camfield is our new CEO. After 12 years of exemplary service, Richinda Taylor is retiring. We are very grateful for her dedication & hard work & wish her a fulfilling retirement. We warmly congratulate Anthea!

Escalation refers to the intensification of abuse, which can occur either suddenly or gradually. This process may involve a transition to different types of abuse or an increase in the severity of similar behaviours.

Survivors of domestic abuse, are mums at the most difficult end of the parenting spectrum. EVA understand this and deliver You & Me Mum, a programme for mothers which will help you understand how domestic abuse affects you as a parent and how it affects your children.

If you've told them anything that might make you vulnerable, they may use those very experiences against you, inflicting pain once again.

There isn't a definitive list of behaviours that are categorised as coercively controlling. If you sense that someone is trying to exert power or control over you, know that this is unacceptable, and support is available for you.

From an early age, we are frequently taught that jealousy and possessiveness signify true love. However, they do not, they signify an unsafe, unhealthy relationship.

Domestic abuse involves instilling fear and exerting complete power and control within the relationship. They aim to force you to "stay" instead of making you "want to stay."

If you have been a victim of sexual assault, it's important to understand that you are not at fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who committed it or where it took place. Please don't hesitate to reach out for support.

Everyone deserves to feel equally valued in a relationship and to have the freedom to discuss any concerns with their partner. If you are worried or anxious to bring up a topic with them, it raises the question: why?

It's never as simple as "Just Leaving"...

The key difference between "silent treatment" and "no contact" is intention. The "silent treatment" is a manipulative tactic to control or punish, while "no contact" is a protective measure to distance oneself from harm.

The abuser deliberately employs certain behaviours to gain power and control over the situation. Meanwhile, the victim may change their own behaviour in an attempt to appease the abuser, who remains steadfast in their refusal to change.

Domestic abuse is a form of brainwashing. Perpetrators utilise any or all of the tactics mentioned above to exert control over their partner. #lovebombing #coercivecontrol #powerandcontrol #gaslighting #blameshifting #manipulation

Emotional manipulation frequently involves gaining control within a relationship. The primary aim is to leverage that control to dominate the other person in mental, physical, financial, or emotional ways. #manipulation

The research revealed significant connections between exposure to domestic abuse and mental health issues. It’s important to keep in mind that all of these reactions are completely normal, and none of this is your fault. The responsibility lies solely with the abuser for their actions.

When you're swept away by the thrill of a new relationship, it's easy to overlook red flags & warning signs. The person you've encountered may seem "perfect” but many of us tend to ignore that "voice of reason" whispering that something feels off. Remember, your intuition is often spot-on.

People can generally be categorised as either trustworthy or untrustworthy. Relationships with individuals who view trust as a tool for manipulating the truth to serve their own agendas can be harmful to you. They often disregard the consequences their actions have on others.

Being with an abusive partner clouds your judgment, manipulation makes it difficult to see things clearly. The situation can be so overwhelming that staying feels like the easier option. Sadly, the harsh reality is that no matter how deeply you care for someone, you cannot change or fix them.

One of the most revealing red flags is someone who characterises all their former partners as "crazy." #redflags

Emotional abuse is just as damaging as physical abuse. The only difference between the two is with physical abuse you are wearing it on the outside for the world to see and the other is felt deep inside. #emotionalabuse

Christmas with an abuser can be an event that creates horrible situations. Heightened stress, alcohol and substance use, can create a hazardous mix. It's crucial to remain alert about your safety. If possible, remove yourself from the situation and find a safe place to stay.

The Christmas season can be difficult for survivors, abusers may reappear, exploiting their vulnerability. Survivors can feel nostalgic, recalling positive moments of the good times & longing for the those times again. The hoovering tactic often plays on these emotions.

The holiday season should be a time of joy, happiness & Christmas goodwill. But, for many this period can symbolise violence & abuse. Statistics show that incidents of domestic abuse rise during the holidays. If you require free and confidential support, please reach out to us at EVA.

The Christmas season is frequently depicted as happiness, unity, & festivity. But for many survivors, it can pose significant challenges for mental well-being. Set achievable expectations, create boundaries, & practice self-care, so you can concentrate on the elements that genuinely bring you joy.

It's natural for people to disagree, however it's important discussions are respectful & not personal attacks or attempts to undermine the other's self-worth. If you aren't able to express yourself without fearing retaliation, it could be a sign of abuse.

Abusers strategically choose when, where, and who they target, often reserving their abusive behaviour for those closest to them, especially those they profess to love. They maintain a normal appearance in public but display anger once alone with their victim.

Seeking closure from an abusive individual can feel futile, especially you a reasonable, kind, person, you may not get closure this person is abusive & a taker. Providing you with closure would signify the end of the relationship which they’re unwilling to accept.

Spiking when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person's drink/body without their knowledge and/or consent. Spiking carries a maximum custodial sentence of 10 yrs in England. If the perpetrator also commits a sexual offence against the person they spiked, they will face additional sentences

Those in abusive relationships often struggle to recognise their situation as abusive, especially if it lacks physical violence. They may minimise emotional abuse, believing it less severe than physical harm. Leaving them believing there are no better options available for them.