Domestic Abuse
Domestic violence and abuse is:
- An unacceptable crime which affects people from all social and
economic backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion or
sexual orientation
- Any action involving abuse between adult family members
(including current and former partners). The abuse occurs when a
person causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause emotional,
sexual or physical harm to an intimate partner or other family
member
- A pattern of coercive behaviour by an individual to establish
and maintain power and control over another (as relationship
defined above). This type of behaviour takes many forms, including
physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, isolation and the
selective destruction of property and pets.
- Rarely a one off event. It can escalate in frequency and
severity over time. The majority of victims are women but domestic
violence happens to men as well.
Domestic violence and abuse is a crime and will not be
tolerated. If you are experiencing abuse it is important to tell
someone before it gets worse. If what you are experiencing is
particularly serious go into your local police station for help or
if you or your family are in immediate danger don't be afraid to
call the police on 999.
A list of contact numbers for residents of Ashford and
Maidstone Borough is available here. Drop in advice
sessions are also available in Ashford and in other areas of Kent,
a list of the Domestic Abuse drop ins is available here.
In addition to the list of local services, the following
national services are also available:
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Advice on forced marriage and ‘honour
crimes’
020 7008 0135/0151
www.fco.gov.uk
Advice on immigration or asylum issues
0207 967 1200
www.iasuk.org
Gingerbread
Support organisation for lone parent families
in England and Wales
0800 802 0925
www.gingerbread.org.uk
Reunite
Support groups for parents of children who
have been abducted
0116 255 6234
www.reunite.org
Rights for Women
Works to attain justice and equality by
informing, educating and empowering women on their legal rights
0207 251 6577
www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
The Hideout
Interactive site for children who have
experienced domestic abuse
www.thehideout.org.uk
Housing
As a Local Authority we have a responsibility to offer
housing support to victims of domestic violence and
abuse. Please see our housing advice page for details on how to
contact us.
This webpage was updated on
3/16/2011