Domestic abuse and sexual violence support
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. Calling 999 if you are unable to speak.
We know that this is a difficult and worrying time for people living with domestic abuse. During the Coronavirus outbreak, if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help and support is available.
Calling 999- If you’re unable to speak
On a mobile
If you can’t speak but the operator hears something suspicious, they’ll connect you to a police call handler.
If you can make some noise, for example cough, whisper or tap the handset, the operator will connect you to the police.
If you can’t speak, and the operator can’t tell what service you need, they’ll transfer you to the Silent Solution system [PDF]. This runs a 20 second automated message, and that will ask you to press 55, to be put through to the police.
This does not allow the police to track your location.
On a landline
If you can’t speak and the operator can hear only background noise, they’ll connect your call to the police.
What is domestic abuse?
Anyone can experience domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship, usually by a partner, ex-partner or family member.
There are many types of domestic abuse including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse.
You can learn more about domestic abuse and how to recognise it by visiting national websites, including Women's Aid England and Refuge, as well as, those of Nottinghamshire organisations including Juno Women's Aid, Nottinghamshire Women's Aid and Equation
Getting help and support
A safe space is now available to access domestic abuse support services at Boots pharmacies. All Boots pharmacies have a consultation room, providing a supported space for people to contact the domestic abuse services. #uksaysnomore SafeSpaces
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
For non-emergencies contact Nottinghamshire police on 101.
The stay-at-home instruction does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, there are many organisations in Nottinghamshire who can help and support you.
Where possible, services will support people experiencing domestic abuse to remain in their home where it is safe to do so, and the perpetrator should be the one to leave.
Nottinghamshire Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour free helpline: 0808 800 0340
The helpline is for all women in Nottinghamshire affected by domestic abuse. It is run by Juno Women’s Aid.
Juno Women's Aid
The organisation provides a wide range of services and support for women and children affected by domestic abuse in Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling, Rushcliffe and Nottingham, including access to refuge accommodation. Translation and interpretation services are available.
24-hour free helpline: 0808 800 0340
Deaf and hearing impaired: Text Relay/NGT: 18001 0808 800 0340 (24 hours a day)
Website: Juno Women's Aid
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid
The organisation provides support for women and children affected by domestic abuse in Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark & Sherwood, including refuge support services.
24-hour free helpline: 0808 800 0340
Website: Nottinghamshire Women's Aid
Equation
The organisation provides support for men aged 18 and over, in Nottinghamshire, who are experiencing domestic abuse. A range of valuable resources are available on their website.
Phone: 0115 960 5556 (9.30am-4.30pm Monday-Friday)
Website: Equation
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
This helpline is for women and girls and is available 24 hours per day
24-hour free helpline: 0808 2000 247
Website: National Domestic Abuse Helpline
National Men's Advice Line
This is a service for men experiencing domestic abuse
Freephone: 0808 801 0327 (Monday and Wednesday 9am- 8pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am-5pm)
Website: Men's Advice Line
Galop
Galop runs the national LGBT+ domestic violence helpline
Phone: 0800 999 5428 (Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-8pm)
Website: Galop
Karma Nirvana
Provides support to victims of honour-based abuse, forced marriage or domestic abuse.
Phone: 0800 599 9247 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
Website: Karma Nirvana
Refuge
Refuge provides specialist support to women, children and some men escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence.
24-hour free helpline: 0808 2000 247
Website: Refuge
Women's Aid England
Women's Aid England provides domestic violence support for women, children and young people
Live chat: 10am-2pm (Monday-Friday)
Website: Women's Aid England
Respect
National perpetrator’s helpline. The helpline also takes calls from (ex)partners, friends and relatives who are concerned about perpetrators
Phone: 0808 802 4040 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
Website: Respect
Topaz Centre
Topaz Centre is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) which offers free support and practical help to anyone in Nottinghamshire who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.
Freephone: 0800 085 9993
Website: Topaz Centre
Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Services (formerly Nottingham Rape Crisis)
The organisation provides a wide range of services, including practical and emotional support for people aged 13 and over who are victims or survivors of sexual violence.
Helpline: 0115 941 0440 (Monday-Tuesday 4pm-7.30pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am-1pm)
Website: Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Services
East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service (EMCYPSAS):
The organisation offers practical help and support to children and young people aged under 18 who have been sexually assaulted or raped.
24-hour advice line: 0800 183 0023
Website: East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service
Incest & Sexual Abuse Survivors (ISAS)
The organisation provides counselling and group therapy for victims and survivors of childhood sexual abuse, their partners or family members. These services are available for people aged 16 and over in Nottinghamshire.
Group therapy is not currently taking place during the coronavirus outbreak.
Phone: 0115 824 0314
Website: ISAS
SHE UK
The organisation provides counselling and group therapy for adult female sexual violence victims and survivors in Nottinghamshire.
Group therapy is not currently taking place during the coronavirus outbreak.
phone: 01623 622 916
Website: SHE UK
Hear people’s experiences of domestic abuse and how they have received support from organisations in Nottinghamshire.
More information for domestic abuse sufferers, during the coronavirus outbreak, is available on the government website