I need help about domestic abuse

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If you have experienced domestic abuse it's important to get advice as soon as possible to help you remain safe.

If you are in immediate danger, please contact:

• Police on 999.  If you can't talk because the perpetrator is nearby, you can then press the numbers '55' into your mobile phone which will alert the operator to your situation.  You can also use 101 to give information to the police or make an enquiry. Keep hold of any crime reference number that they give you.  Police's website also contains lots of useful information on domestic violence. Silent Solutions read this information: if you need urgent police help but you can't speak and need to Make Yourself Heard.
• Refuge on 0808 2000 247 (24 hour Freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline). Refuge's website also contains lots of useful information on domestic violence.
• For children and teenagers who might be at risk of harm or are in danger.

If you need emergency accommodation outside of office hours please telephone 01424 451999.

Travel to Refuge scheme offers free coach or train travel to women fleeing domestic abuse.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse you can now also access support safely and discreetly at various pharmacies by asking for 'Ani', which is a domestic abuse codeword. Find out more on the Government's website.

If you are at risk of losing your home and would like our assistance please go to our I'm at risk of being or already am homeless webpage.

Domestic Abuse support available

The Change Grow Live website has support available to help survivors of domestic abuse or violence. Contact their East Sussex Domestic Abuse Service by calling their Hastings office on: 01424 716 629 or by emailing: ESDomesticAbuse.Info@cgl.org.uk.

National Rape Crisis Helpline Rape Crisis Centres provide specialist support and services to women and girls who have experienced rape, sexual violence, or sexual abuse at any time.

• Telephone 0808 802 9999
• 12:00 - 14:30 and 19:00 - 21:30 daily

Men's Advice Line a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). It provides emotional support, practical advice and signposts to other services for specialist help:

• Telephone 0808 801 0327

Galop supports LGBT victims of abuse, violence and discrimination through a variety of services. Helpline:

• Telephone 0800 999 5428

For information specific to migrants (including asylum seekers and refugees), go to our domestic violence information for migrants page.

Victim Support supports victims of crime to recover from the effects of crime and support witnesses to give evidence in court.

• If you have been affected by crime, call 0808 168 9274 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
• If you need support outside of open hours, call 0808 168 9111 or request support via the website.

National Centre for Domestic Violence helps survivors of domestic violence and abuse obtain protection against an abuser, as well as offering services to the police, probation service, domestic abuse agency workers, the legal profession and judiciary.

Oasis Women's Recovery Service offers support with drug/alcohol use in a non-judgemental, women-only safe space.

The Sussex Safe Space provides a valuable directory of help and support from all agencies, available near you. There are many different types of crime such as domestic abuse, fraud, hate crime, child sexual exploitation and so on.  There is help available for everyone who has ever been a victim of crime and support can be tailored to suit your needs.

Hourglass is the only charity in the UK specifically dedicated to calling time on the harm, abuse, and exploitation of older people across the United Kingdom. We offer a national and confidential 24/7 helpline for those experiencing, or concerned about, the harm, abuse or exploitation of older people.

Lotus offer group and 1-2-1 support for victims of domestic abuse. This includes: a programme for women who have experienced domestic abuse but are now away from this and safe, offering support to recover and move forward with their lives; a programme for parents and carers of children aged eight to 17 who are verbally or physically abusive; and 1-2-1 independent domestic violence advice for eligible clients. Lotus also currently run two one-off sessions i) Managing Money Safely in Relationships, for women and ii) Relationship Goals for 13-16 year-olds to learn how to build and maintain healthy relationships. Email: hello@lotus-families.org.uk or call 01273 612025.

Mental Health Services if you, or someone you know, feels that they are:

• struggling to cope
• do not feel in control of their situation

go to NHS Dealing with a mental health crisis or emergency. You will find information, support and guidance about mental health issues.

You can call NHS 111 if you, or someone you know, needs urgent care but it's not life threatening.

For example:

• if you have an existing mental health problem and your symptoms get worse
• if you experience a mental health problem for the first time
• if someone has self-harmed but it does not appear to be life threatening, or they're talking about wanting to self-harm
• if a person is experiencing domestic violence or physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

Sussex Mental Healthline - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has expanded the Sussex Mental Healthline to provide a 24/7 service for people needing urgent help with their mental health.

• Telephone 0300 5000 101 (24/7 service)

The Sanctuary Scheme

The Sanctuary Scheme can fit extra security measures, such as door chains and window and door locks, to support people to stay in their homes and feel safe. The scheme is voluntary, free and available to you whether you are a homeowner or a tenant as long as you are eligible.

• Telephone 01424 451100
• Email sanctuary@hastings.gov.uk.

Domestic abuse guidance

The Government provides guidance on homelessness services to people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic violence or abuse.