Domestic abuse
Urgent concern
If you think you or someone you know is in immediate danger, the best thing to do is call 999 and ask for Kent Police.
In an emergency always call 999. In a non-emergency you can call the police on 101.
If you can’t speak out loud, you can press 55 so that the operator knows you need help. If you need to, the option to video call is available to communicate in BSL. This option is free. Visit the 999 BSL website or download the 999 BSL app.
Support services
We know asking for help isn’t easy, but our expert services can support you to keep safe, plan to leave, and process what has happened. Support in Kent and Medway is free and confidential.
Behaviour is abusive if it consists of:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological, emotional or other abuse.
It can happen in family or romantic relationships. It is wrong, and there are services available to support you.
Support helplines
- Victim Support helpline: call 0808 168 9276 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday)
- Refuge national domestic abuse helpline: call 0808 2000 247 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
The Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Referral Pathway
The Kent and Medway Referral Pathway gives you more information about domestic abuse, support services and tools to keep you safer.
If you are a professional, you are also able to make a referral to the SAFER scheme. This includes any security upgrades that help survivors to remain in their own homes, if they choose to do so.
Find out about the referral pathway
End Domestic Abuse
Join our campaign by sharing our messages on social media with the hashtag #KnowSeeSpeakOut.
Refuge
If you would like to go to a refuge (a temporary safe place to live for you and your children) call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Children affected by domestic abuse
Children are victims of domestic abuse in their own right, experiencing rather than witnessing abuse between their caregivers.
Find information for children and young people to understand domestic abuse and how to ask for help.
Find out more
For further information about helping people live free from abuse, visit our Domestic Abuse Strategy page. You can also learn more about the work we have been doing with the charity White Ribbon which encourages people to take action to end male violence against women and girls.