Domestic abuse
If you’re worried about violence or abuse, you can get help and advice. If you’re in danger right now, you should call the police on 999 or 999BSL. You can also contact the police on 101 in non-emergencies.
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 spoken to an advisor to consider your options.
A refuge 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.
You can also apply as homeless to any local council if it is not safe to remain in your home.
What domestic abuse is
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 can include but is not limited to:
- coercive control
- emotional abuse
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- economical abuse
- stalking and harassment
- digital abuse
If you think you’re in an abusive relationship, help is available.
You can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
One Stop Shop
There is a one stop shop every Tuesday between 10am and 12pm at Sheerness Gateway.
If you aren't able to visit Sheerness Gateway drop in then virtual support is available by calling 07376 637 069 between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday 9.00am and 3.30pm Friday
Drop In’s
The following drop in centres are available:
- SATEDA Monday Sheerness Job Centre 9.30am to 12.00pm
- SATEDA Wednesday Heather House, Sittingbourne 9.00am to 12.00pm
- SATEDA Thursday Umbrella Centre, Faversham 9.30am to 11.30am (booking only)
- SATEDA Friday at Sittingbourne Job Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm
- SATEDA Friday Heather House, Sittingbourne 11.00am to 2.00pm
- New Leaf Support Wednesday ISP House, Church Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 3EG 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Other ways to get help and advice
Information about the support that's available to different groups, across Kent, Medway and nationally.
Support services for women
Support services for women.
Domestic abuses services in Medway and Kent
You can get information about domestic abuse services in Medway and Kent online.
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.
The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you would like to go to refuge (a temporary safe place to live) call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
SATEDA
SATEDA is a specialist domestic abuse charity supporting women across Kent, Swale and Maidstone. They help women escape abuse and rebuild their lives, empowering them to live safer, healthier futures. Call 01795 417251 between 10am and 4pm for non-emergencies or use the Live Chat service available on their website.
Clarion
You can get information about Clarion's domestic abuse support service online.
For tenants of Clarion Housing group, report abuse online or by calling 0300 500 8000.
New Leaf Support
You can get information about New Leaf Support's domestic abuse service online.
Support for all victims and their children suffering Domestic Abuse exclusively for the Borough of Swale in Kent. Call 01795 608028 for non-emergency support between 10am and 4pm Tuesday to Friday.
SignHealth
You can get information about SignHealth's domestic abuse service online.
The Deaf health charity for adults and young people experiencing domestic abuse. Text 07800 003421 or email da@signhealth.org.uk
Support services for men
Support services for men.
Look Ahead
Look Ahead offer domestic abuse support across Kent and Medway for men, and those identifying as men.
You can call their helpline on 0333 010 4660 or find more information about their services online.
Men's Advice Line
You can get help from the Men's Advice Line online. Alternatively, call 0808 801 0327
Services for LGBT+
Service for LGBT+
GALOP
The national helpline for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence helpline, call 0800 999 5428 Monday to Thursday 10am to 10:30pm and Friday 10am to 4:30pm or by visiting GALOP's website
National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline
Call 0800 999 5428 or visit LGBT National Help Center (lgbthotline.org)
Support for older people
Support for older people.
Hourglass
Support for older people, call the 24 hour Helpline on 0808 808 8141, text message on 07860 052906 or email helpline@wearehourglass.org
Support for minority and ethnic groups
Support for minority and ethnic groups.
Karma
Support to victims of Domestic abuse as well as victims and survivors of honour based abuse and forced marriage. Call the helpline 0800 5999 247 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Southall Black Sisters
Advice and information for Black and minoritised (including migrant) women and children experiencing domestic and sexual abuse. Call the helpline on 0208 571 0800 available 9am and 5pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The Traveller Movement
Traveller movement domestic abuse helpline that is available for all Gypsy, Roma and Traveller women looking for help in the UK. Call the helpline 0754 1637 795.
Opoka
A helpline for polish speaking women and children affected by domestic violence. Call 0117 427 0012 Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday between 10:00am and 1pm.
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