What is domestic violence and what you can do about it?
Domestic violence is a serious issue that many people face every day, it can be hard to leave an abusive relationship, but there are resources available to help you, in this blog post, we will discuss what domestic violence is, the signs of abuse, and how you can get help. We will also provide information on how you can help someone who is experiencing domestic violence.

What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a serious problem, each year, thousands of women are injured or killed by their husbands, boyfriends, or partners. Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. It can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, religion, or economic background.
There are many signs of domestic violence. These include jealousy, possessiveness, controlling behaviour, verbal abuse, and physical violence. If you are in a relationship with someone who exhibits these behaviours, it is important to get help, there are many resources available to domestic violence victims and their families.
How do domestic violence cases work in different states
Each state has different laws when it comes to domestic violence. In some states, the law may require that the abuser goes to counselling or completes an anger management program. In other states, the abuser may be required to stay away from the victim and have no contact with them. So if you don’t know how the law works in certain states be sure to look up things like, How Do Domestic Violence Cases Work in California, or in Nevada, New York, and so on. It is important to know what the laws are in your state so that you can protect yourself and your family. There are several resources accessible to you if you are a victim of domestic violence.

The power and control wheel
The power and control wheel is a tool that is used to convey the concept of domestic abuse, it depicts the various methods that an abuser might use to exert control over their victim.
Physical violence, mental abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of abuse are all possible. If you are a victim of domestic violence, there are several options open to you. You can seek assistance through a domestic violence shelter or hotline, or you can call the police if you are in danger.
Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. You can also help someone who is being mistreated by being there for them and supporting them, and letting them know that they are not alone.
The cycle of abuse
The Cycle Of Abuse is a repeating pattern of behaviour in which one partner uses power and control to mistreat the other partner. The cycle can happen in any relationship, but it often occurs in intimate relationships, such as marriage or dating. There are four main stages of the cycle: tension-building, incident, honeymoon, and calm.
The tension-building stage is when the abuser starts to feel angry and frustrated. They may begin to put their partner down or make them feel guilty. The abuser may also start to withdraw from the relationship or become more controlling.
The incident is the abusive episode itself. This is when the abuser physically harms their partner or uses verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse.
The honeymoon stage is when the abuser apologises and promises to never hurt their partner again. They may give gifts or say sweet things. The abuser may also promise to change their behaviour.
The calm stage is when things return to normal between the abuser and their partner. However, the tension-building stage will eventually start again and the cycle will continue.
Listen to the victim
One of the most important things you can do if you suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence is to listen to them. If they feel safe enough to confide in you, it’s crucial that you hear them out and believe what they’re saying. Reassure them that they’re not alone and that there are people who care about them and want to help, thank them for trusting you enough to share their story.
If you’re not sure what to say, there are some great hotlines and resources available that can help you support the victim in a more effective way. Remember, just being there for someone and listening to them is usually the best thing you can do.
Believe the victim
One important thing to remember when it comes to domestic violence is to “believe the victim.” This may seem like a no-brainer, but unfortunately, many people are still sceptical of victims’ accounts of abuse. doubting or disbelieving a victim only serves to further traumatize them and make it less likely that they’ll come forward and seek help.
If someone you know is confiding in you about their experiences with abuse, believe them and offer your support. You could be the one lifeline they need to get out of a dangerous situation.
Learn the warning signs
There are many warning signs of domestic violence. If you see any of the following warning signs in your partner, it is important to get help:
- Your partner threatens or hurts you physically.
- Your partner controls what you do, who you see, or where you go.
- Your partner refuses to allow you to see your friends or family.
- Your partner stops you from working or going to school.
- Your partner controls all the money in the household and gives you an allowance.
- Your partner threatens to hurt your children, pets, or other people close to you.
- Your partner makes all of the decisions in the relationship and you have no say.
- You are afraid of your partner.
If you see any of these warning signs in your relationship, please get help from a domestic violence hotline or shelter. You deserve to be safe and happy.
If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, the best thing you can do is to listen to them and believe their story. There are many warning signs of domestic violence, and if you see any of them in your relationship, it’s important to get help from a domestic violence hotline or shelter. Remember, you deserve to be safe and happy.

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n.jpg)



![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)

![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)


![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg)



