Domestic abuse policy

The definition of domestic violence in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse.

Domestic abuse can happen between:

• those that are aged 16 and over, who are or have been in an intimate relationship,
• family members,
• care givers, or
• those that have a parental relationship in relation to the same child.

Domestic abuse can be any of the following behaviours:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• discriminatory abuse
• online or digital abuse
• economic or financial abuse
• controlling or coercive behaviour
• violent, threatening behaviour
• psychological or emotional abuse
• modern day slavery, so-called honour-based violence, forced marriage or female genital mutilation

Domestic abuse is a hidden crime that can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.

If you or somebody you know is in immediate danger, always call the police on 999. 

If you dial 999 but can’t speak, press 55 when asked and you’ll be put through to the police. They will still be able to help you if you’re unable to speak to them.

If it's not an emergency but you want to report any concerns, you should call 101. The police have specialist workers to help victims of domestic violence and abuse.

If you are suffering from domestic abuse, we encourage you to get advice and support.

24-hour National Domestic Violence 

You can call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence freephone helpline on 08082 000 247.

Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop

If you want to get face-to-face advice you can attend a Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop where you can speak to supportive professionals to get free advice, information and support in a welcoming, safe and confidential space.

These take place every Thursday at Riverside Children’s Centre, Kingsmead, Canterbury, CT2 7PH from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

You can also visit the Herne Bay Family Hub, Herne Bay, CT6 5RG on the last Tuesday of the month from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Rising Sun

Rising Sun supports women and children affected by domestic abuse in Canterbury and they act as the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate service.

They can be contacted on 01227 452 852 Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Victim Support

If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact Victim Support on freephone 08081 689 111 or Respect Men’s Advice Line on 08088 010 327.

GALOP

If you identify as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) and are experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact GALOP on 08009 995 428.

Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership

Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership have more information on other local domestic abuse support services.

If you're not entitled to claim welfare benefits due to your immigration status, you can apply for Destitute Domestic Violence Concession. This allows you to claim benefits so you can stay in a refuge or find other housing.

This concession lasts for three months, and you can apply for indefinite leave to remain as a victim of domestic abuse during this time.

You can look for additional help from social services, the Home Office or No Recourse to Public Funds Network.

If you have concerns that a child is experiencing abuse, please contact Kent County Council children’s services on 03000 416 161 during daytime hours, or on 03000 419 191 during out of hours.

You can also email them at social.services@kent.gov.uk and visit the Kent Safeguarding children multi agency partnership.

Karma Nirvana offers support for those fleeing honour based violence or forced marriage. You can also call them on 08005 999 247.

The Traveller Movement offers support for women and girls from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities in the UK. You can also call them on 07541 637 795.

Southhall Black Sisters supports women from Asian, African-Caribbean or other minority and who are experiencing domestic or sexual violence. You can call them on 02085 710 800 from Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm.

IKWRO offers support for women from Middle Eastern, North African or Afghan communities experiencing domestic abuse. You can contact them on 02079 206 460 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Hourglass offers support for over 60s who are experiencing harm or exploitation. They can be contacted on 08088 088 141 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provide online resources and a national stalking helpline on 08088 020 300 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9.30am to 4pm or Wednesday 1pm to 4pm.

SignHealth is a health charity for adults and young people who are deaf and experiencing domestic abuse. They can be contacted on text phone 07800 003 421 or by emailing da@signhelath.org.uk.

Respect helps people who have committed domestic abuse and want to change their behaviour. They also support male victims of domestic abuse.