Domestic abuse support
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We believe that Domestic Abuse is unacceptable whenever and however it occurs.
We commit to a survivor led approach. This means that survivor views and experiences will inform the service they receive, and they will be able to exercise choice and control.
Domestic Abuse is defined as any incident or pattern of incidents 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 gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
This definition includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.
Look for the signs of domestic abuse
These are just some of the signs someone may be being abused:
- being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends
- having bruises, burns or bite marks
- having finances controlled, or not being given enough money to buy food or pay bills
- not being allowed to leave the house, or being stopped from going to college or work
- having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails, or letters
- being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
- being pressured into sex
- being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting
See more signs to look for on the Government's website
Safeguarding Laws
Clare’s Law (formally known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) in England)
DVDS is a police-run scheme that lets you, or any member of the public formally request or receive usually confidential information about a romantic partner’s criminal history.
This might be a current partner who you are worried might have been abusive in the past. It can also be an ex-partner you are no longer involved with but believe may be a threat to your safety.
You can make a DVDS application if you believe you are personally at risk of abuse or are concerned on behalf of a close friend or relative.
Under Clare’s Law you have two rights: to ask, and to know
1- The ‘right to ask’ means that you can make a DVDS application to ask about a current or ex-partner that you think might have a record of abusive behaviour or violence. Any information that the police share with you about a partner is called ‘disclosure’.
You can also ask on behalf of a close friend or relative, who you think might be at risk from their current or former partner. However, you may not necessarily receive any disclosure depending on who you are. The police may decide it is more appropriate to share with your loved one directly, or with someone who is more able to protect their safety.
2- The ‘right to know’ means that if police checks show that your current or ex-partner has a history of abusive behaviour, they may proactively share that information with you because they believe you are at future risk.
Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application
Sarah's Law
The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children:
- has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences
- poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason
It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders.
If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk.
What to do if you are being abused and you need help
Karma Nirvana provides advice and support for forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence. View Karma Nirvana - honour based violence advocacy website 0800 599 247.
The forced marriage survivors handbook provides useful and practical information to help you take control of your life and focus on the future. View the forced marriage survivors handbook
Women's aid have created a stalking leaflet which provides more information including how to stay safe. View leaflet on the Women's aid website
Galop has decades of experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse. Find out more on the Galop website.
Victim Support have created a leaflet which details support. View Victim Support leaflet
Respect.uk have revised their guidance. View guidance on the Respect website
Age UK have been working to highlight that domestic abuse can happen at any age. View information on Age UK website
Traveller Movement provides support to those experiencing domestic abuse within the traveller community. View more information on the Traveller Movement website
If you are suffering from Domestic Abuse and need someone to talk to for advice, Quality Solicitors Parkinson Wright has a designated Domestic Abuse Team led by Suzanne Oldnall.
Suzanne and her team provide legal advice and support including emergency protection orders in relation to both adults and children in Worcester, Droitwich, Kidderminster, Redditch, Evesham and surrounding areas of Worcestershire.
They also have a Domestic Abuse Drop in Centre at Haswell House, St Nicholas, Monday - Friday 9:30am -12pm.
Contact us
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
Wychavon & Malvern Hills provide a 24/7 service and will help you to flee in an emergency. We have out of hours contact details that you can call at any time outside of working hours.
In working hours, you can contact the Housing Options Team on 01386565000 (option 5).
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