Domestic abuse, or domestic violence, is defined as any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
There's a dedicated page to support victims of domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic on the GOV.UK website.
During COVID-19, if you are experiencing domestic abuse, we understand that home is not safe. UK SAYS NO MORE is working with with Boots UK, Superdrug Pharmacies and independent pharmacies that have signed up to the Safe Spaces scheme, to facilitate their pharmacy consultancy rooms as a Safe Space for victims of domestic abuse during COVID-19. Find out more.
Domestic abuse covers a range of types of abuse, including, but not limited to:
You can request disclosure in certain circumstances under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) or Clare’s law.
Please call the police on 999.
In danger, need the police, but can't speak?
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, get in touch with us. We can explore home security improvements, as well as offering basic housing advice – and we can signpost you to further support where necessary, including referrals to other specialist agencies who can arrange for emergency accommodation.
We’ll handle all information confidentially and sensitively, and agree a communication plan with you, so we only speak when it’s safe to do so.
Emergency accommodation: If you're facing a serious threat of violence and are fearful of returning to your home, contact Bucks County Council who have a statutory responsibility to consider homeless applications.
Ending a tenancy: Whilst we do not encourage this, we would strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice from a solicitor or local citizens advice bureau before doing so.
Priority move application: In case of domestic abuse where there is serious risk of physical and or serious risk of mental harm, the case owner may consider submitting a priority move application to our Housing Adaptations and lettings panel for consideration subject to:
For additional housing or emergency accommodation support please contact Buckinghamshire Council:
This helpline is run in partnership by Refuge and Women’s Aid and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Website: National Domestic Violence Helpline
If you’ve been affected by crime, they can give you the support you need to move forward. Their services are free, confidential and available to anyone in England and Wales, regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened. Choose from a number of ways to contact them.
Call: 0808 1689 111
Website: Victim Support
Freephone 24 hr National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Website: Women's Aid
Providing support in 21 refuges across 10 London boroughs
Website: HESTIA
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Call: 0808 801 0327
Website: Men's Advice Line
Information and advice for children and young people. Whatever your worry, they're there for you.
Call: 0800 11 11
Website: Childline
Contact the Forced Marriage Unit if you’re trying to stop a forced marriage or you need help leaving a marriage you’ve been forced into.
Call: 020 7008 0151
Website: Forced marriage information on GOV.UK
Are you hurting someone that you love? Choose to stop.
Call: 0808 802 4040
Website: Respect
A national charity for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Call: 0808 2000 247
Website: Refuge
Free support and legal advice for female victims.
Website: Rights of Women
Free support and legal advice for female victims.
Call: 0808 802 9999
Website: Rape Crisis
Free support for male victims of domestic abuse
Call: 0808 801 0327
Call: 0800 999 5428
The National LGBT domestic violence helpline
Call: 020 7704 2040
Operating 24/7, staffed by specially trained members of the public and professionals
Call: 0800 028 2550
UK Sign language service to help deaf women and children who are victims of domestic abuse
Call: 020 3947 2600
Call: 0808 802 0300
Website: National Stalking Helpline