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Domestic violence

This page contains the following information:

White Ribbon Day 2011
About domestic violence in Hastings
Report domestic violence in Hastings
Hiding your visit to this website
Hastings Sanctuary Scheme
Domestic violence organisations in Hastings

White Ribbon Day 2011

Stand with us against domestic violence on International White Ribbon day which is taking place on 25, November 2011. Thousands of people around the world are making a commitment to play their part in standing up to condemn domestic violence. There will be a pledge signing station outside the Town Hall where people can to sign a pledge to: never commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence. At 1pm the Mayor and other local representatives and dignitaries will be signing the pledge and there will also be a tree planting ceremony.

There will also be a stand throughout the day in Priory Meadow Shopping Centre where information and leaflets will be available. Sussex Coast College will be showing a film throughout the day and will also have a pledge signing station. Help us increase last year's total of 840 signed pledges.

About domestic violence in Hastings

Less than 40% of domestic violence crimes are reported in the UK. In Hastings between 2009 and 2010, there were 1,988 reports made to the police and in 47% of these cases, this was not the first time the victim had experienced domestic abuse. Hastings makes up one third of all reported incidents in East Sussex.

Report domestic violence in Hastings

If you are worried about someone knowing that you have visited this website, find out how to hide your visit.

In an emergency always call 999
Sussex Police Non-Emergency Number: 0845 6070 999
Crimestoppers (passing on information about a crime anonymously): 0800 555 111
Hastings Police Domestic Violence Unit: 01424 456143

Hiding your visit to this website

An abuser may be able to discover what sites you have visited on the Internet or to read your email.

Please read the following suggestions to help reduce this risk when using the Internet.

Please note: this advice may not completely hide your tracks: the safest way to find information on the Internet is to use the facilities at your local library, an internet café, a friend's house, or at work.

History or cache

The 'history' in your computer's web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape) shows a list of sites on the internet that have recently been visited. The 'cache' is your computer's automatic store of all the web pages and graphics that have been looked at. If an abuser knows how to access this information, they will be able to see what you have been looking at on the internet.

You can clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings by following these instructions:

Internet Explorer 6

Go to 'Tools' menu
Select 'Internet Options'
On the 'General' tab, under 'Temporary Internet Files', click on 'Delete Files'
Under 'History', click on 'Clear History'

Internet Explorer 7

Go to 'Tools' menu
Select 'Delete Browsing History'
Click on 'Delete All'

Firefox

Go to 'Tools' menu
Select 'Clear Private Data'
Click on 'Clear Private Data Now'

Safari

Go to the 'Safari' menu
Select 'Empty Cache'
Or hold down the Option and Command keys and press E

AOL

Go to 'Members' menu
Select 'Preferences'
Select 'WWW' icon
Select 'Advanced', then click on 'Purge Cache'

e-Mail

If an abuser has access to your computer, they may be able to read your e-mails; both the messages you send and those you receive. If your e-mail account is password-protected, make sure you choose a password that can't be easily guessed and never write your password down.

If you are using a web-based e-mail service (such as Hotmail), do not select the option to remember your username or password. If available, tick the box that says you are using a public computer instead.

If you are sent threatening e-mail messages by an abuser, print and save them – they may be used as evidence.

Domestic violence organisations

Organisations in Hastings

Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI) Domestic Abuse Service gives information and support to women and men. They will talk through your housing options and will also help children and young people who are living with domestic violence.
Telephone: 01424 716629 (outside office hours phone the Refuge and Women's Aid Domestic Violence Service helpline on 0808 2000247)

Penny Beale Memorial Fund - a local organisation set up by the parent of a victim of domestic violence.

National services

For women

Refuge and Women's Aid Domestic Violence Service - provides support and advice to women and can also help to find temporary accommodation
Telephone: 0808 2000247 (24 hour helpline)

Broken Rainbow - helpline for victims of domestic violence who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
Telephone: 08452 60 44 60.

For men

Men's Advice line and enquiries - service aimed at men experiencing domestic abuse from their partner, in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
Telephone: 0808 801 0327

Mankind Initiative - support for men who are the victims of domestic violence.

Survivors UK - help and support for men who have been the victims of sexual violence.

Men's Aid - free practical advice and support for men who have been abused.

For children and parents

The Hideout - support and information for children who are living with domestic violence.

NSPCC - Information for parents who are concerned how domestic violence is affecting their children. Includes numbers of multi-lingual telephone helplines.

Reunite - UK-based charity that specialises in preventing and advising on international child abduction.