Domestic abuse
Abuse can be any of these behaviours;
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse (where the behaviour prevents or hampers their ability to get, use or keep money or property, or obtain goods and services)
- Psychological, emotional or other abuse.
- This includes incidents where the abusive party directs their behaviour at another person (e.g. a child)
The full legal definition can be found on the Government website.
‘Personally connected’ means that the two people are:
- they are, or have been, married or civil partners to each other
- they have agreed to marry one another or have entered into a civil partnership agreement (even if it didn’t go ahead)
- they are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other
- they are or have been parents or guardians to the same child
- they are relatives
- We understand that experiencing domestic abuse can be frightening, isolating, and overwhelming. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999 straight away. You can report to the police via 101 or online via https://www.report-it.org.uk/domestic_abuse
- Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you're experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. We will treat your disclosure with sensitivity and confidentiality. One of our specialist team members will contact you by the end of the next working day to talk through how we can help
- If you're reaching out via our online chat service, please ensure you leave a safe contact number where we can reach you. If there are specific times when it’s safer or more convenient for us to call, please let us know — we will do our best to accommodate your needs
- We will be able to:
- Improve the security of your current home (e.g. additional locks, lighting, or safety measures)
- Refer you to organisations and partner agencies who can ensure that you are fully supported
- Support you in exploring alternative housing options — we’ll be honest and transparent about what’s possible, and we’ll work closely with local authorities and partner agencies to advocate for your safety and wellbeing - If you have a joint tenancy, there will be legal limitations around changing locks and tenancy changes, but we’ll talk you through all available options and do everything we can to help you feel safer
You don’t have to go through this alone. There are organisations that offer free advice, including help with applying for protective orders such as emergency injunctions.
You can refer yourself directly to specialist domestic abuse charities, such as https://www.ncdv.org.uk/ - this is a free service which allows anyone who has recently experienced or been threatened with domestic abuse to apply for an emergency court injunction, including those who cannot access or afford legal aid funding – If you feel more comfortable, we can support you through this process and make a referral on your behalf. Just let us know what feels safest and easiest for you - Any agency can refer you for support if needed.
Other support available includes but is not limited to the below:
- Women can call the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
- Domestic violence and abuse - getting help - Citizens Advice offers a comprehensive guide for anyone affected by domestic abuse, including survivors, friends, family members, and professionals
- Men can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm), or visit the webchat at https://mensadviceline.org.uk/ (Wednesday 10am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm) for non-judgemental information and support
Safes Spaces are safe, confidential rooms where victim/survivors can take some time to reflect, access information on specialist support services or call friends or family.
Safe Spaces are also available in Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, TSB banks and independent pharmacies across the UK.
Find your nearest Safe Space.
If you are concerned that a new, former or existing partner has an abusive past you can ask the police to check under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as ‘Clare’s Law’). This is your ‘right to ask’. If records show that you may be at risk of domestic abuse, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, you can apply for a disclosure on behalf of someone you know.
You can make a request to the police for information about a person’s previous violent offending in person at the police station or elsewhere, by telephone, by email, online or as part of a police investigation. Support agencies and services can also help you ask the police about this.
If you're worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.
Even if you're unsure what help you need, just talking to someone can be a first step. Please reach out we will listen without judgment and help you explore your options.
