Domestic abuse services

There are many ways you can get help for yourself, a parent or someone you know and there is a range of free services available across Derbyshire to support you and help to make the abuse stop.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse please ring the domestic abuse helpline on 08000 198668.

Domestic abuse comes in many forms - it can be physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. It can include being forced into marriage. It is often a crime.

It can start or get worse at any time and can be triggered by a change of circumstances, including pregnancy, the end of a relationship or alcohol and drug abuse.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse:

• You may just want to talk but stay in the relationship
• You may want to find out how to protect yourself
• You may want the abuser to get help to stop or be stopped legally from hurting you further
• You may want to protect your children, or other vulnerable people, and need to know your rights and options
• You may be planning to leave and need an escape plan to a safe place for you and others         

Services in Derbyshire are ready to help. We can help you to: 

• Talk to someone who is trained specifically to deal with issues surrounding abuse
• Get advice on protecting yourself, your unborn child or your children
• Find legal information and have your rights explained
• Find out about the help that is available for abusers to help them to stop
• Get support in your own home, through re-housing or finding urgent temporary refuge (including womens refuges).
  The Supporting People initiative can also offer you help and advice about housing.
• Get longer term help for you and your family to build a life in safety         

Our promise to you

Whether you talk to someone you trust at your local health centre or GP surgery, someone at school or your local housing or social services office, all services in Derbyshire follow the same guidelines. They are ready to help or point you in the right direction to provide the advice and assistance that you need now.

Under the guidelines you can expect that: 

• We will offer you a safe, private place to talk further.
• You can choose to see a woman or a man
• We will not give information to the alleged abuser or other family and friends without your consent
• We will provide you with information on where you can get the specialist help you need, whether or not you choose to stay in an abusive relationship
• We will ensure children or vulnerable adults are provided with the protection they need
• We will make sure you have a safe means of contacting emergency and other domestic abuse services
• We will help you again if you return to an abusive relationship         

Wherever you are - you are not alone. Help is just a phone call away.

This information has been produced by Derbyshire County Council in conjunction with: 

• Derbyshire Domestic Abuse County Forum
• Domestic Abuse Reduction Partnership (High Peak and Derbyshire Dales)
• North Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Action Group
• South Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Action Team
• East Derbyshire Domestic Violence Forum.      

Do you have a suggestion, praise or complaint about this service.

Please use the following link if you have any concerns about the safety or welfare of an adult (opens in a new window).