Domestic abuse support
Domestic abuse, or domestic violence, is defined as any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
There's a dedicated page to support victims of domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic on the GOV.UK website.
Safe spaces
During COVID-19, if you are experiencing domestic abuse, we understand that home is not safe.
UK SAYS NO MORE is working with Boots UK, Superdrug Pharmacies and independent pharmacies that have signed up to the Safe Spaces scheme, to facilitate their pharmacy consultancy rooms as a Safe Space for victims of domestic abuse during COVID-19. Find out more.
What are the types of abuse?
Domestic abuse covers a range of types of abuse, including, but not limited to:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional abuse
- Coercive control
Clare’s law
You can request disclosure in certain circumstances under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) or Clare’s law.
In an emergency
Please call the police on 999.
In danger, need the police, but can't speak?
- Dial 999
- Listen to the questions from the operator
- Respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can
- If prompted, press 55 (this let's them know that it's a genuine emergency and you'll be put through to the police).
How we can help
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, get in touch with us. We can explore home security improvements, as well as offering basic housing advice – and we can signpost you to further support where necessary, including referrals to other specialist agencies who can arrange for emergency accommodation.
We’ll handle all information confidentially and sensitively, and agree a communication plan with you, so we only speak when it’s safe to do so.
Housing advice
Emergency accommodation - If you're facing a serious threat of violence and are fearful of returning to your home, contact Buckinghamshire Council who have a statutory responsibility to consider homeless applications.
Ending a tenancy – Whilst we do not encourage this, we would strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice from a solicitor or local citizens advice bureau before doing so.
Priority move application – In case of domestic abuse where there is serious risk of physical and or serious risk of mental harm, the case owner may consider submitting a priority move application to our Housing Adaptations and lettings panel for considered subject to:
- The criteria for the priority move being met
- Supporting evidence being provided by partner agencies such as the police and other support agencies
Other housing options may also apply, such as registering on Bucks Home Choice mutual exchange (Subject to the criteria being met)
For additional housing or emergency accommodation support please contact Buckinghamshire Council:
Support groups
If you're experiencing domestic abuse, then we urge you to seek help from one of the following support groups.
National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline
This helpline is run in partnership by Refuge and Women’s Aid and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.This helpline is run in partnership by Refuge and Women’s Aid and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Website: National Domestic Violence Helpline
Victim Support
If you’ve been affected by crime, they can give you the support you need to move forward. Their services are free, confidential and available to anyone in England and Wales, regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened. Choose from a number of ways to contact them.
Call: 0808 1689 111
Website: Victim Support
Women's Aid
Freephone 24 hr National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Website: Women's Aid
HESTIA
Providing support in 21 refuges across 10 London boroughs.
Website: HESTIA
Men's Advice Line
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Call: 0808 801 0327
Website: Men's Advice Line
Childline
Information and advice for children and young people. Whatever your worry, they're there for you.
Call: 0800 11 11
Website: Childline
Forced Marriage Unit
Contact the Forced Marriage Unit if you’re trying to stop a forced marriage or you need help leaving a marriage you’ve been forced into.
Call: 020 7008 0151
Website: Forced marriage information on GOV.UK
Honour based violence support
The Crown Prosecution Service describes honour-based violence as an incident or crime 'which has, or may have, been committed to protect or defend the ‘honour’ of the family and or the community.' Honour can be the motivation, excuse or justification behind a range of violent acts against women and girls.
Honour-based violence may include:
- Forced marriage
- Domestic violence (physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse)
- Sexual harassment and sexual violence (rape and sexual assault or threat of rape and sexual assault)
- Threats to kill
- Social ostracism or rejection and emotional pressure
- Denial of access to children
- Pressure to go or move abroad
- House arrest and excessive restrictions of freedom
- Denial of access to the telephone, internet, or passport/key documentation
- Isolation from friends and own family
If you're a victim of ‘Honour’ based violence or forced marriage please contact the freephone 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Respect
Are you hurting someone that you love? Choose to stop.
Call: 0808 802 4040
Website: Respect
Refuge
A national charity for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Website: Refuge
Rights of Women
Free support and legal advice for female victims.
Website: Rights of Women
Rape Crisis Line
Free support and legal advice for female victims.
Call: 0808 802 9999
Website: Rape Crisis
The Men’s Advice Line
Free support for male victims of domestic abuse
Call: 0808 801 0327
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call: 0800 999 5428
GALOP
The National LGBT domestic violence helpline
Call: 020 7704 2040
Female Genital Mutilation Helpline
Operating 24/7, staffed by specially trained members of the public and professionals
Call: 0800 028 2550
Deafhope
UK Sign language service to help deaf women and children who are victims of domestic abuse
Call: 020 3947 2600
National Stalking Helpline
Call: 0808 802 0300
Website: National Stalking Helpline