Abuse

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.

If you're worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.

Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.

If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing or tapping on the handset. 

Click here for a Silent Solution Guide

Safe Spaces

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it can be isolating and difficult to find support or think about your options. 

How to access a Safe Space

• Walk into any participating safe space in the UK
• Ask a member of staff at the counter to use their Safe Space
• You will be shown to the Safe Space, which will be a private room
• Once inside, you can use the safe space in whichever way works for you. They provide a discrete way to reach out to friends and family, contact specialist support services and start your journey to recovery.

If you need to have a discrete conversation to arrange an appointment because you have concerns or need help seeking support, please let our receptionist know. We can arrange to chat with you in a private space to make the necessary arrangements. 

Your appointment dates and times will never be disclosed to anyone but you, in line with our confidentiality policy.

The Home Office has launced a domestic abuse codeword scheme in thousands of pharmacies across the UK.

Ask for ANI codeword

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.

There are a range of services available for men who have been affected by domestic abuse that support you to receive emotional and practical help, understand your rights and options and safely leave an abusive relationship.

Men's Advice Line

Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Telephone: 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm)

ManKind Initiative

Website: www.mankind.org.uk

Telephone: 0182 3334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)

Women's Aid

Website: www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support

Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk

Refuge

Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Telephone:  0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night

If you are concerned about your behaviour or the behaviour of someone you know, there is support available.

The Respect Phoneline is an anonymous and confidential helpline for men and women who are abusing their partners and families. The helpline also takes calls from partners or ex-partners, friends and relatives who are concerned about perpetrators.

Telephone: 0808 802 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm)

Community Domestic Abuse Perpetrators (CDAP)

The Kent CDAP (Community Domestic Abuse Perpetrators) programme website is specifically designed to help men who are wanting to make a difference and change their behaviour. Men can self-refer through the website and can see first-hand how the programme has made a difference to others and their family. 

Website: www.kentcdap.org

As an independent charity, Victim Support works towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. Victim Support help people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime. Their support is free, confidential and tailored to your needs.

Twitter: @VictimSupport

Facebook: @victimsupport

Telephone: 0808 168 9276

Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

Rising Sun offer a variety of Programmes and Training Courses to teach different age groups about healthy relationships and domestic violence.

They believe that by educating children, young people, families and professionals about domestic violence, that eventually they can stop people suffering through it.

Telephone: 01227 452852

Website: www.risingsunkent.com

Email: admin@risingsunkent.com

Galop

Galop has decades of experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.

Wesbite: www.galop.org.uk

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

Email: help@galop.org.uk

If you, or someone you know, has experienced sexual assault or abuse, please seek the help and support you need.

Beech House offers free and confidential healthcare and support for people of all ages, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 

Phone: 01622 726461 (available 24/7/365) to discuss services, referrals and to make an appointment.

Email: bh.admin@nhs.net (monitored 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

Website: https://beechhousesarc.org/ 

East Kent Rape Crisis

Tel: 0800 458 2818

Website: https://www.ekrcc.org.uk/ 

Safeline National Male Survivor Helpline (sexual abuse)

Tel: 0808 800 5005

Website: https://safeline.org.uk/services/national-male-helpline/