Contact information for support services

Police

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If it is not safe for you to call 999 you can use the “Silent Solution System” by calling Police on 999 and pressing 55 when prompted.

For non-emergencies call 101 and you can speak to a police officer in confidence.  If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101.

Clare’s Law/Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)

Clare's Law, also referred as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), enables the police to disclosure a person's history of abusive behaviour to those who may be at risk from such behaviour. 

Under Clare’s Law, you have the right to:

  • Make an application to the police requesting information about your current or ex-partner, because you are worried they may have been abusive in the past and believe they may pose a risk to you in future.
  • Request information from the police about the current or ex-partner of a close friend, neighbour or family member, because you are concerned that they might be at risk of domestic abuse in future.

Find out more about Clare's Law (DVDS)

Specialist agencies you can contact for help

 

  • DAVSS (Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services)

    DAVSS provides a free and confidential helpline available between 10am to 1pm Monday-Friday. 

     

    Call 01892 570538 or visit the DAVSS website

  • Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Support Services

    Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Support Services offers advice and information on services for victims, friends and family, and perpetrators of domestic abuse and can link you with local services. 

    Call free on 0808 168 9111 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • National Domestic Abuse Hotline

    The National Domestic Abuse Hotline is run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, this service provides 24/7 support and advice for people who are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned about someone else.

     

    A free service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 0808 2000 247.

  • Men’s Advice Line

    Men’s Advice Line is a confidential support service for men in abusive relationships.

     

    Call free on 0808 801 0327

  • Sistah Space

    Sistah Space is a specialist charity that supports African and Caribbean heritage women affected by domestic and sexual abuse in the UK.

     

    Call 0207 846 8350 between 11am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

  • SignHealth

    SignHealth provides a domestic abuse service that specialises in supporting Deaf people in England.

     

    Text ONLY 07800 003421 or email on da@signhealth.org.uk

  • Galop

    Galop is a specialist organisation for LGBTQ+ people experiencing sexual violence, domestic abuse or hate crime.

     

    Call 0800 999 5428 or email help@galop.org.uk

  • Karma Nirvana

    Karma Nirvana is a national organisation that supports anyone experiencing honour based abuse.

     

    Call 0800 5999 247.

  • Hourglass

    Hourglass is focused on preventing the abuse and neglect of older people. 

     

    Call the helpline free on 0808 808 8141 or text 07860052906.

  • Rights of Women

    Rights of Women is a charity that provides free and confidential legal advice to women.

    • Family law advice line – 020 7251 6577
    • Criminal law advice line – 020 7251 8887
    • Immigration and asylum law advice line – 020 7490 7689
    • Sexual harassment at work advice line – 020 7490 0152
  • Rape Crisis

    Rape Crisis is a specialist organisation that provides advice and guidance to people who have experienced sexual abuse.

     

    Call free on 0808 500 2222.

  • SafeSpaces

    Local pharmacies, banks and selected job centres around the county provide safe space for those experiencing domestic abuse.

     

    Visit https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces

  • Respect

    Respect works with perpetrators of domestic abuse to help them change their behaviour. 

     

    Call free on 0808 8024040 between 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday.