Kent County Council issues domestic abuse advice

Domestic abuse services across Kent are urging people to be aware of abusive behaviour in relationships.

Domestic abuse can take many forms including coercion and economic control.

Red flags include intensity, isolation, criticism, sabotage and blame.

Kent County Council said: "The signs of domestic abuse are not always visible and seemingly loving gestures can in fact be tactics of coercive and controlling behaviour."

"Love bombing" is a manipulation tactic used by abusers to overwhelm a partner with affection, charm, attention, compliments and declarations of love to gain power and control over them.

The abuser uses constant communication to create a sense of dependency and trust before resorting to emotional manipulation such as gaslighting, humiliation and insults to control their victim.

This is followed by more waves of affection, compliments and gifts.

A woman who was in an abusive relation for 25 years said: "I soon became isolated from family. He would turn up while I was out with friends. I felt so embarrassed and trapped, it became such an issue when I would go out.

"I left so many times, but he would sweet-talk me and I'd go back."

Kent County Council leader Roger Gough said: "Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse. We shouldn't assume there is a typical victim, but we can learn about the warning signs."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story support is available via BBC Action Line.

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