If someone close to you like a partner, ex-partner or family member hurts you or makes you feel unsafe, it's domestic abuse. Find out where to get help if you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.
At home shouldn’t mean at risk. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse don’t suffer in silence. Police response and support services remain available to help and advise you.
Domestic abuse is 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. It can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, income, religion, belief, sex, disability, culture or sexual orientation.
This can include, but is not limited to:
You are not alone. Help and support is available.
Controlling behaviour is defined as 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 defined as 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.
If you think you are experiencing any type of abuse, it is important to remember that it is not your fault. If you are unsure but it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You may feel alone and that no-one can help you, but you are not alone and support is available. Speaking to someone about what you are going through can help you to feel less alone and can support you in understanding your options.
You can report domestic violence and abuse to the police online, or:
Remember if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police.
If it is not safe for you to speak you can use the Silent Solution system - call 999, and if you don’t speak you will be diverted to an automated system. You can then press 55 to be transferred to the local police force.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), or Clare’s Law, is a way to find out if your partner has a history of domestic abuse and may pose a risk to you. Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application.
If you’ve been affected by domestic violence and want to find out more about the help, advice and support available locally contact the Brighton & Hove Domestic Abuse Support Service at Victim Support.
Email b&hdass@victimsupport.org.uk or phone 0300 323 9985, if all the staff are on other calls please do leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as possible.
To make a professional referral, please email sevcu.referrals@victimsupport.cjsm.net.
Go to the Victim Support website for more information.
Victim Support is the specialist domestic abuse support service in Brighton & Hove. Providing independent information, advice, support and advocacy to victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Brighton & Hove, including:
If you are in need of a refuge space or wish to make a professional referral, please contact Stonewater on 01293 780 419 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or send an email to Brighton.Refuge@stonewater.org.
Anyone can make a referrals to the Brighton & Hove Refuge. Please note the area code and phone number listed above are correct and will take you to the local Brighton & Hove Refuge staff. If all the staff are on other calls, please do leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as possible.
If you need information about refuge spaces nationally or outside of office hours, please contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline. Phone 0808 2000 247 or go to the National Domestic Abuse website for more information.
Stonewater provide the specialist Brighton & Hove refuge. It provides safe accommodation and support for women (18+) and their children, aged 0 to 18, who are fleeing domestic abuse. They accommodate up to 15 women (plus their children) in self-contained accommodation. They have a specialist staff team who are trained in:
Brighton & Hove also have a range of holistic and LGBTQ+ inclusive support options available, whether that be:
We understand that our LGBTQ+ and TNB (trans and nonbinary) communities have a wide diversity of needs and intersections that may present as barriers to getting generic support, and we're committed to ensuring those needs are met.
Brighton & Hove Switchboard runs a domestic abuse service created by and for the LGBTQ+ community.
RISE has a specialist LGBTQ+ worker and runs an LGBTQ+ refuge and housing support service.
Victim Support's Domestic Abuse Specialist Service can provide specialist work through their LGBTQ+ worker.
To find out about the support available for you and your family, or if you are concerned about a child's welfare. Contact the Front Door for Families team on 01273 290 400
To report abuse or neglect of an adult contact Access Point on 01273 29 55 55.
If you're a professional, complete the safeguarding adults at risk form.
These helplines are available:
For women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse
A confidential helpline for people who are abusive and/or violent towards their current or ex-partner. Offers information and advice to support perpetrators to stop their violence and change their abusive behaviours.
A confidential helpline offering advice and support for male victims of domestic violence or abuse.
There are steps you can take to help keep yourself (and your children) safe:
RISE is a Sussex-based charity that supports people affected by domestic abuse and violence.
Help and support for those who have experienced sexual violence, rape or childhood sexual abuse.
Local stalking support
Directory of support services if you have been the victim of a crime
Information and support, counselling and complimentary therapies by appointment
Help for victims of crime and hate incidents