Domestic abuse advice
If you are in immediate danger
Call the police on 999 now if:
- you or your children’s safety is threatened
- you are injured or at risk of injury.
If it is not safe to speak, press 55 when you are prompted and listen for more instructions. You will be able to conduct your whole call in silence if needed.
If you are deaf or cannot communicate verbally you can register with the emergency SMS service. Text REGISTER to 999. A text will then be sent with instructions on what to do next. This should be done when it is safe so that the emergency services can be reached by text when someone is actually in danger.
Hide your tracks
Your computer stores a lot of information about the websites you visit, as well as any other online activities. If there is a possibility that someone may check or monitor your computer then it may be better to use an alternative computer, for example, in a library, at a friend’s house or at an internet café.
Deleting your browsing history will remove the most obvious traces of this website from your computer however it is still possible to find data elsewhere.
Help if you are experiencing domestic abuse
Get help if you or someone you know is being abused by a partner or family member.
Domestic violence is not the victim's fault. You are not to blame and you are not alone. There are many others in your situation and help is available.
If you are not in immediate danger there are a number of other ways to get the help and support you need:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - call them free and in confidence, 24-hours a day on 0808 2000 247. A chat service is also available Monday to Friday, 3pm to 10pm. A BSL interpreter service is available Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
Derbyshire Police - report domestic abuse online
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, or Clare’s Law - this is is a way to find out if your partner has a history of domestic abuse and may pose a risk to you.
Housing Options - get emergency housing advice and talk through your options confidentially with Housing Options on 01332 888777.
Karma Nirvana - support for victims of 'honour-based' abuse. Their helpline is free and confidential and open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm 0800 5999 247
The National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline - provides emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse. Freephone 0800 999 5428
Men’s Advice Line - confidential help and support for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner, ex-partner or from other family members. Freephone 0808 801 0327.
What is domestic abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, creates a statutory definition of domestic abuse, which is:
Any incident or pattern of incidents 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 gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
- psychological or emotional – for example, victim-blaming, name-calling, belittling
- physical – for example, hurting or threatening to hurt physically
- sexual – for example, forced to take part in unwanted, unsafe or degrading activity
- economic – for example, restricting finances or access to work, getting a victim into debt
- coercive control – for example, isolating, monitoring, threats, humiliation.
Domestic abuse on people who are 'personally connected'
The Act also recognises the impact of domestic abuse on those who are ‘personally connected’ and defines what is meant by this as:
- intimate partners
- ex-partners
- family members
- individuals who share parental responsibility for a child.
There is no requirement for the victim and perpetrator to live in the same household.
Children
The Domestic Abuse Act recognises that a child who sees, hears or experiences the effects of domestic abuse and is related to the person being abused or to the perpetrator is a victim of domestic abuse in their own right.
What are the signs of domestic abuse?
It is important to recognise the signs of domestic abuse so that you can seek help and support.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, income, religion, belief, sex, disability, culture or sexual orientation.
Most people will recognise physical abuse as being a type of domestic abuse but there are many other ways for abusers to assert power over their victims, including:
Victims will often experience more than one type of abuse.
You are not alone. Help and support are available.
Are you worried about your own behaviour towards your partner or family?
If you are concerned about your own behaviour toward your partner or family it is time to seek help and support by:
- visiting the Respect website
- calling the Respect phoneline on 0808 8024040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
- using the Respect email or webchat.