‘Domestic abuse can hide behind smiles’ – PFCC backed partnership’s hard-hitting campaign

This Christmas, the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership (SETDAB), which includes the PFCC Essex as a partner, is using its “Behind the Smiles Campaign” to raise awareness that domestic abuse can hide behind smiles.

The campaign aims to raise awareness that domestic abuse is not just physical. It challenges assumptions and aims to help people recognise that domestic abuse doesn’t always look the way you might expect it to. It acknowledges that victims may present differently to the outside world whilst experiencing abuse behind closed doors.

Behind some smiles, there’s silence.
Behind some laughter, there’s fear.
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical

Here’s what it can look like:

•Gaslighting – Making someone doubt their memory

•Monitoring – obsessively checking phones or whereabouts

•Verbal abuse – constant criticism or humiliation

•Financial control – limiting access to money or work

•Threats – using fear to control decisions

•Two faces – kind in public, controlling in private

You never know what’s happening behind closed doors.

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out. You are not alone. Call the domestic abuse helpline Essex Compass on 0330 333 7 444 (8.00am to 8.00pm weekdays, 8.00am to 1.00pm weekends) for help and support or visit essexcompass.org.uk