Important: if you feel in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of abusing and controlling behaviour. It is often caused by a partner or ex-partner, but can also be a family member or carer. It is very common. Domestic abuse can include controlling and coercive behaviour, psychological and emotional, financial abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, sexual abuse and rape, threats, harassment and stalking and online or digital abuse. You are 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 affect anyone – men, women and those who identify as non-binary and it can occur in any relationship – heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, young or old.
How we can help you
Seeking support if you are being abused can be hard, and you may feel like there is nowhere to turn. But, you are not alone and it is not your fault. Free and confidential help and support is available from Kentish Homes and you will be taken seriously. We will:
- provide a sensitive and confidential response to anyone approaching us for assistance in cases of domestic abuse
- ensure that anyone experiencing domestic abuse can ask to meet our staff in confidence at our offices or at an agreed choice of safe venue. We will also agree the safest method of contact to use
- give people experiencing domestic abuse the opportunity to ask for a staff member of the same gender to speak to, and if requested, and where possible, of the same ethnic origin
- work with any individual experiencing domestic abuse irrespective of age, gender, sexuality, disability, ethnicity, religion or social background
- provide an independent translation service where necessary.
Other help and support services
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.
You can find help and support from the National Domestic Violence Helpline, Women’s Aid and Refuge on this helpline number 0808 2000 247.
You can also download the Bright Sky app onto your mobile device. Bright Sky allows you to record incidents of domestic abuse and has details of support agencies that can help you.
