Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse Drop-in Centres

Domestic Abuse Drop-in Centres

Domestic Abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and are in immediate danger please call 999 immediately. If you are afraid of being overheard when you dial 999 there is a system in place – 'silent solution'.

If you can respond to questions by coughing or tapping the handset you can do this, alternatively, when prompted press 55 to activate the 'silent solution' and the operator can transfer the call to your local police force as an emergency. You can also call the  police on 101 in non emergency situations.

If you need to leave your accommodation today, you should consider if it is safe to stay with friends or relatives until you can speak to an advisor and consider your next steps.

You should avoid making a decision to give up your home permanently until you have taken advice to consider your options.

You may wish to consider a refuge which  is an emergency safe house where you can get support until something longer term can be sorted out.

You could be offered a place in a refuge immediately, but the refuge is likely to be away from your local area.

Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. You can also apply as homeless to any local council if it is not safe to remain in your home.

If you require housing assistance due to fleeing domestic abuse outside of office hours, please call 01233 331111

What is domestic violence and abuse?

Domestic Abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour.

It is between those that are 16 and over and are, or have been in an intimate relationship, family members or have a parental relationship in relation to the same child.

Domestic abuse occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, and geography.

The figures show, however, that it predominantly is experienced by women who are abused by men. However, Men can also be affected by DA, Children are also affected, both directly and indirectly.

The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:

  • Psychological
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Emotional
  • Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour
  • Coercive behaviour is an act or pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim. Coercive and controlling behaviour is now a criminal offence, which can be reported to Kent Police through 101
  • Stalking is a pattern of persistent and unwanted behaviour which is obsessive and intrusive. It can make you feel pestered and harassed and can cause distress and fear that violence may occur. It can include (but is not limited to) making unwanted communication, following or spying on you, damaging property, sending unwanted gifts, threats, online and spyware stalking. Stalking is a criminal offence and you can report this crime to the police.
  • Honour based violence includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called 'honour based violence', female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.

Whatever form it takes, domestic abuse is rarely a one-off incident, and should instead be seen as a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their victim.

Typically the abuse involves a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour, which tends to get worse over time.

The abuse can begin at any time, in the first year, or after many years of life together. It may begin, continue, or escalate after a couple have separated and may take place not only in the home but also in a public place.

A Domestic Abuse Act was given Royal Ascent on 29 April 2021 and introduced new duties for local authorities. You can find out more on the UK Government website - Domestic Abuse Act 2021: overarching factsheet - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Domestic violence and abuse is a crime and will not be tolerated. If you think you or someone you are concerned about, are in an abusive relationship help is available: call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

Domestic Abuse Kent & Medway Support Services

You can access support and advice at a domestic abuse one stop shop, these are accessible across the county. 

Ashford One Stop Shop

The One Stop Shop is on Tuesdays 9:30am-12noon at The Willow Centre 24 Brookfield Rd, Ashford TN23 4EY. This is a confidential space, but we may ask for safe contact details for you to make referrals.

You will be triaged and referred to the service present who is best placed to support you.

Any enquiries please contact Mandy on 07827 308231.

Domestic Abuse Services

Domestic Abuse Services provides a list of services available across the county and nationally. It also provides information for professionals who are working with those experiencing domestic abuse

http://www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk/

Victim Support

In Kent you can access domestic abuse services by contacting Victim Support for assessment and referral to your local service by calling 0808 168 9111 or using their Live Chat. This line is open 24 hours a day, & days a week. 

Other sources of support

National Domestic Violence Helpline

You can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. The helpline is run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge. Further support and advice can be found by visiting the Women's Aid and Refuge websites. 

Rising Sun

The Rising Sun is Ashford’s domestic abuse charity. They can provide you with information and support  in the Ashford and Canterbury area.

They also are an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocay (IDVA)  Service whose main purpose is to address the safety of survivors at high risk of harm from intimate partners, ex-partners or family members to secure their safety and the safety of their children.

Serving as a survivor's primary point of contact, IDVAs normally work with their clients from the point of crisis to assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop safety plans. 

You can call them on 01227 452852 Mon to Fri 9:30am–12:30pm and 2pm-4pm

Housing

If you are at risk of homelessness through domestic abuse, please see information on council housing options. You can also call the Clarion Domestic Abuse Support Line on 07745 207247 between 10am-2pm Wednesday & Thursday, or email Supported.Housing@clarionhg.com.  

Legal advice

For legal advice and information, visit Rights of Women or visit the National Centre for Domestic Violence.

Stalking

For advice and support if you are affected by stalking, visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust or Protection Against Stalking – call 0808 923 7000.

Forced marriage and honour based abuse

Karma Nirvana is a UK registered charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour based abuse.

Visit Karma Nirvana for more information or NSPCC Female Genital Mutilation Helpline – call 0800 028 3550.

Adult domestic abuse support 

Children and young people personal safety groups