Domestic abuse

Quick Exit

Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, harassment or threats. It could be financial control, stalking, inappropriate sexual behaviour or shouting at you in front of the children.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone that needs help or advice please call the 24 hr Domestic Violence Helpline on 0844 8044999.

Domestic abuse services

If you or your family are in immediate danger don't be afraid to call the police on 999.  

If you call 999 and it is unsafe to speak to the operator, there is the ‘Silent Solution’: 

1. Dial 999 

2. Listen to the questions from the operator 

3. Respond by coughing or tapping your device, if you can 

4. If prompted, press 55 to let the operator know it's a genuine emergency and you'll be put through to police. Pressing 55 does not allow police to track your location so you will need to stay on the line and listen to their instructions. 

For non-emergencies, please contact Kent Police on 101 or visit your local police station to speak with an officer in confidence. 

Alternatively, you can contact the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge on 0808 2000 247 or the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327. 

Domestic abuse one stop shop

The one stop shop is held virtually and coordinated by Oasis Domestic Abuse services there is support for those experiencing domestic abuse. Free and confidential advice and information is available from different agencies.

VOSS Poster

These 5 ‘7 Minute Snippet’ videos are easily accessible and can be watched in the time it takes for a quick cup of tea. 

• Signs of abuse: https://youtu.be/uLI5jyc7c2c
• Safety Planning: https://youtu.be/7P1NcZjE9h8
• Safe Enquiry: https://youtu.be/SLZVPBPxohQ
• Support & Signposting: https://youtu.be/cs5ri7B52go
• Understanding Risk: https://youtu.be/_f4Bj7m2jPw

Other support

• Oasis Helpline (Kent and Medway): 0800 917 9948 - Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (there is an answerphone outside of these hours)
• https://www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk 0808 168 9111 - 24 hour service
• https://domesticviolenceuk.org - 24 hour support
• National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 - 24 hour Freephone helpline
• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 - 24 hour Freephone helpline
• Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service: 01227 452852 - Monday to Friday 9am–4.30pm
• Victim Support: Freephone 0808 16 89 111 - Monday to Friday 8pm-8am and 24 hours on the weekend
• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/gender-violence/domestic-violence-and-abuse 
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence
• https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/domestic-abuse - Legal steps that can be taken to protect a person and/or a child experiencing Domestic Abuse
• https://www.desiblitz.com/content/domestic-abuse-organisations-for-british-asian-women -Support for Asian women experiencing Domestic Abuse
• https://karmanirvana.org.uk - National Honour Based Violence helpline
• https://www.opoka.org.uk - Support for Polish women and children experiencing Domestic Abuse 
• https://www.imkaan.org.uk - Support for Black and Minoritised women experiencing Domestic Abuse
• https://lawadv.org.uk/en - Support for Latin - American women experiencing Domestic Abuse
• https://galop.org.uk - Supporting LGBT+ experiencing Domestic Abuse
• Rights of Women
• Hidden Hurt: Women who have moved to the UK and suffering from Domestic Abuse
• Refuge.org.uk: Help for sufferers and information and advice for friends and family

Support for perpetrators wanting to change their behaviour

• https://www.respect.uk.net - Work with Perpetrators and victims of Domestic Abuse

Housing support

Housing can often be a barrier for survivors of domestic abuse, there are housing options available for those escaping domestic abuse, including their children.  

Options available:

• If you need to go to a refuge (a temporary safe place to live for you and your children) call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. 

• If you are a Council tenant and you need to move to a new property, we can support you to transfer your tenancy, in or outside the district. 

• If you are homeless due to domestic abuse and eligible for homelessness assistance, you will be considered a priority need for accommodation, you can make a housing application here: Apply for council housing - GOV.UK (local connection does not apply if you are fleeing domestic abuse, therefore you can apply to any Council).  

• Housing applications to Dover are made through Kent HomeChoice 

• The SAFER scheme can help to secure accommodation through additional security measures. 

Further information on housing and non-housing related support in Kent can be found here: Domestic abuse - Kent County Council 

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, do not wait, call the police on 999.