Domestic violence
Domestic violence and abuse is:
- An unacceptable crime which affects
people from all social and economic backgrounds, regardless of age,
ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation
- Any action involving abuse within
an intimate or family-type relationship. The abuse occurs when a
person causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause emotional,
sexual or physical harm to an intimate partner or other family
member
- A pattern of coercive behaviour by
an individual to establish and maintain power and control over
another (as relationship defined above). This type of behaviour
takes many forms, including physical, sexual, economic and
emotional abuse, isolation and the selective destruction of
property and pets and includes forced marriages and ‘honour
crimes.’
- Rarely a one off event. It can
escalate in frequency and severity over time. The majority of
victims are women but domestic violence happens to men as well.
ANYONE CAN BE A VICTIM
Domestic violence and abuse is a
crime and will not be tolerated. If you are experiencing abuse it
is important to tell someone before it gets worse. If what you are
experiencing is particularly serious go into your local police
station for help or if you or your family is in immediate danger
don't be afraid to call the police on 999.
A list of contact numbers for
residents of Ashford/Maidstone Borough is available here
Pages in this section:
Useful contacts and links
In an emergency call the police – 999
Police Domestic Violence Advice
Web:
http://www.kent.police.uk/advice/abuse_assault/domestic_abuse/dom_abuse.html
Women’s Support Services - 01622 761146
Victim Support Maidstone & Malling
General Enquiries Victim Care Unit: 0845 389 9528
Advice Support line: 0845 30 30 900
Web: http://www.victimsupport.org/
Maidstone Hospital - 01622 224960
Women’s Aid National
24hr Domestic Violence helpline 0808 2000 247
Refuge
Refuge 24 hr UK-wide Domestic Violence crisis line - 0808 2000
247
Shelter
Housing/homelessness/housing advice
Ashford Office: 0344 515 1444
Chatham Office: 0344 515 1740
Broken Rainbow
Tel: 0300 999 5428
Web: http://www.broken-rainbow.org.uk/
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Free, confidential, impartial and independent
advice.
Tel: 01622 752420
Web: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Dove Project
Refuge spaces in the South East.
Tel: 01702 300 006
Legal Services Commission
Tel: 0300 200 20 20
Men’s Advice Line
Tel: 0808 801 0327
Web: http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Advice and accommodation.
Tel: 0808 2000 247 (24hrs)
Web: http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/
Samaritans
Confidential emotional support for anyone in a
crisis.
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Web: http://www.samaritans.org/
Victim Support
Information and support to victims of crime.
Tel: 0845 30 30 900
Web: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Childline
Tel: 0800 11 11 (24hrs)
Web: http://www.childline.org.uk/
Freedom Programme
A 12-week programme providing information about
domestic abuse,
Tel:01547 520
228
Web: http://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk/
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Advice on forced marriage and ‘honour’ crimes.
Tel: 020 7008 0135/0151
Web:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/when-things-go-wrong/forced-marriage/
Advice on immigration or asylum issues.
Tel: 0844 887 0111
Web: http://www.iasuk.org/
Gingerbread
Support organisation for lone parent families in
England and Wales.
Tel: 0800 802 0925
Web: http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
Parentline Plus
Information and support to anyone parenting a
child.
Tel: 0808 800 2222
Web: familylives.org.uk
Respect
Helpline for people worried about their abusive
behaviour towards their partner.
Tel: 0808 802 4040
Web: http://www.respect.uk.net/
Reunite
Support groups for parents of children who have been
abducted.
Tel: 0116 255 6234
Web: http://www.reunite.org/
Rights of Women
Works to attain justice and equality by informing,
educating and empowering women on their legal rights.
Tel: 0207 251 6577
Web: http://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/
The Hideout
Interactive site for children who have experienced
domestic abuse.
Web: http://www.thehideout.org.uk/
The Tulip Project
Support for parents who have experienced abuse at
the hands of their children.
Tel: 0151 637 636
