Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of abusive and controlling behaviour.

It's often caused by a partner or ex-partner but can also be a family member or carer. Unfortunately, it's very common. You're being abused if you feel you have to alter your behaviour because you’re frightened of how someone will react or treat you.

Domestic abuse can include:

• controlling and coercive behaviour
• psychological and emotional abuse
• financial abuse
• violent or threatening behaviour
• sexual abuse and rape
• stalking and harassment
• online or digital abuse.

If you fear for your safety please call the police on 999.

If you ever need to call 999 for urgent police help but can’t speak, the Silent Solution guide gives advice on what to do to get help:

Hollie Guard - Personal Safety App

HollieGuard is a smartphone app that provides enhanced levels of protection. It's a personal alarm, can raise an alert, capture evidence and more. You can download it for free.

National Centre for Domestic Violence

This free service offers fast and effective support to survivors of domestic abuse:

• Free injunction service to everybody, regardless of their financial circumstances, sexual orientation, race, gender, age, political, religious belief or otherwise
• Injunctions often within 24 hours
• A large framework of Legal Aid family solicitors throughout the country
• Emergency Prohibited Steps Orders
• Emergency Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders
• Direct links with Local Authorities, health centres, refuges & Women’s Aid Centres

Call: 0800 970 2070
Text and they will call you back: Text NCDV to 60777
Email: office@ncdv.org.uk

National Domestic Violence Helpline

You can find help and support from the National Domestic Violence Helpline, Women’s Aid and Refuge on this 24hour helpline: 0808 2000 247.

You can find more useful information on these websites:

• Refuge
• Victim Support
• Government guidance on how to get help
• Surviving economic abuse

You have the right to feel safe in your home.

If you're experiencing domestic abuse, we’ll help and support you. You can contact us on 0300 1234 009 or at enquiries@midlandsrural.org.uk. We'll discuss with you the help and support that's available from the association and other agencies.

Please be assured, we will not leave a voicemail or discuss your case with anyone else who may answer your phone.