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 abuse 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 BSL interpreter service is available Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. A chat service is also available, Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm.

Derbyshire Police - report domestic abuse online  

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, or Clare’s Law - this is a way to find out if your partner has a history of domestic abuse and may pose a risk to you. Request information under Clare's Law on the Derbyshire Constabulary website - Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application.

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

Galop's National LGBT+Helpline - provides emotional support, guidance and help to explore what options may be available to anyone aged 18+ who is experiencing or has experienced violence and abuse. Freephone 0800 999 5428. Opening hours vary, and can be found on the Galop website.

Men’s Advice Line - confidential help and support for men experiencing domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner or from other family members.  Their helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. 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 that physical abuse is a type of domestic abuse, but there are many ways for an abuser to assert power over their victim, including:

Physical abuse

This includes direct acts of violence such as hitting, slapping, pushing, pulling, kicking, scratching, spitting, choking, strangulation, and the use of weapons. It may also include damage to property or belongings of personal or sentimental value. In its most extreme form, physical abuse can result in serious injury, attempted murder, or murder. Non-fatal strangulation is a particularly high-risk form of abuse and is now recognised as a specific criminal offence.

Sexual abuse

Any sexual activity without consent falls under this category. It includes rape, sexual assault, coercive or degrading sexual acts, refusal to practice safe sex, and using sex as a means of control or punishment. Sexual abuse can occur within any intimate or family relationship.

Coercive and controlling behaviour

This is a pattern of acts used to harm, punish or frighten a person, often involving intimidation or manipulation. It can include isolating someone from family or friends, controlling daily activities or finances, and making them feel dependent or afraid. Coercive control is recognised as a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015 and is often a key feature of domestic abuse.

Emotional and psychological abuse

This includes behaviours that damage a person’s sense of self-worth and emotional wellbeing. Examples include screaming or shouting, verbal abuse, mocking, humiliation, constant criticism, manipulation, threats, gaslighting, sulking, stonewalling or controlling daily routines. The effects may be long-lasting and deeply harmful, even in the absence of physical violence.

Economic abuse

Economic or financial abuse involves controlling a person’s access to money or resources. It may include withholding funds, preventing someone from working, sabotaging employment opportunities, building up debts in their name, or denying access to essential items such as food, clothing, or transport. Economic abuse is recognised under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Digital and technological abuse

Technology may be used to monitor, control, or harass someone. This includes tracking a person via GPS, demanding access to personal devices or accounts, cyberstalking, sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent, or excessive texting and online harassment. This type of abuse can also be used to extend coercive control beyond the home.

‘Honour’-based abuse and cultural violence

So-called ‘honour’-based abuse is a form of violence committed to protect or defend the perceived honour of a family or community. It can include physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, forced marriage, and even murder. These acts are rooted in cultural or religious justifications but are serious violations of human rights and criminal offences in the UK.

Forced marriage

This occurs when one or both people do not (or cannot) consent to a marriage and pressure, or abuse is used to force them into it. Forced marriage is a crime in the UK and is recognised as a form of domestic abuse, often linked to coercion, isolation, and other forms of violence.

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

FGM refers to the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a form of abuse and violence against women and girls and is illegal in the UK. FGM may be carried out in the name of culture or tradition, but it causes lasting harm and is a serious safeguarding concern.

Stalking and harassment

This involves repeated, unwanted attention that causes fear, alarm, or distress. It may include following someone, watching them, persistent phone calls or messages, or threats. Stalking often forms part of wider domestic abuse and may continue after a relationship ends.

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.