If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing or tapping on the handset. If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard and this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.
Recognise domestic abuse
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:
coercive control and gaslighting (the manipulation of a person, by psychological means, into doubting their own sanity)
economic abuse
online abuse
threats and intimidation
emotional abuse
sexual abuse
What signs to look for
If you believe that you or someone else could be a victim of domestic abuse, there are signs you can look out for including:
being withdrawn or being isolated from family and friends
having bruises, burns or bite marks
having finances controlled or not being given enough to buy food or pay bills
not being allowed to leave the house or stopped from going to college or work
having your internet or social media use monitored or someone else regularly reading your texts, emails or letters
being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
being pressured into sex
being told that abuse is your fault or that you’re overreacting
Herts Sunflower Champions can be anyone working in a local business or service role that involves contact with the public.
Community Champions are given training on how to spot the signs of domestic abuse, signpost people to help and act as a network of eyes and ears around Hertfordshire.
To learn more about the scheme and download an application pack, visit Herts Sunflower.
Get help if you or someone you know is a victim
If you feel at risk of abuse, there is help and support available to you, including the police, online support, helplines and refuges.
Clare's Law
You have a 'right to ask' for information from the police under Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, if:
you believe your partner may pose a risk to you
you believe the partner of a close friend or family member may pose a risk to them
When you make a request to the scheme, the police check their records for any previous convictions held by the individual in question. If these records show a history of abuse or violent offences, they will consider whether to share this information with you. If the police do decide to share information, they will do so in a face-to-face meeting.
Chayn is online help and resources in several languages helping women experiencing abuse find the right information and support they need to take control of their lives.
Chrysalis Centre is a one stop referral, assessment, and triage centre featuring a range of specialist behaviour change services, available for anyone displaying abusive behaviour who wants to change.
The Chrysalis Centre accept anyone who resides in Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire and who displays coercive and controlling behaviours. They will work with all risk levels. If you wish to refer someone or yourself to the Chrysalis Centre, please complete a referral form or email enquiries@chrysaliscentre.net.
Galop - National LGBTQ+ domestic abuse helpline and webchat service.
Hertfordshire Beacon offers support for victims of crime, tailored to individual needs. You do not have to report the crime to the Police to access the service.
To speak in confidence to a trained adviser at Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline call for free Monday to Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am- 4pm. This number will not show up on your telephone bill.
Call 08 088 088 088 or email Kim@mailpurple.org confidentially, anytime.
Herts Sunflower provide information and support services for everyone affected or concerned by domestic abuse in Hertfordshire.
The Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Abuse helpline, run by Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
Refuge 24 hour national domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 247
Refuge have recently launched a Tech Safety Website amid an increase in the numbers of women experiencing complex tech abuse. The website offers step by step guidance for securing devices and accounts, with cautions provided throughout where an action could notify an abuser.
Rights of Women offer free confidential legal advice to women via their telephone helplines.
Call: 020 7251 6577
Safer Places is an independent charity, which provides a comprehensive range of services to men, women and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse in Hertfordshire.
Call 03301 025811
Watford Women's Centre’s services are open to all women over the age of 18 experiencing domestic abuse or struggling in their relationship.
All of the centre’s Relationship and Domestic Abuse Support Services can be accessed through the telephone line 01923 927 500 or by email ally@watfordwomenscentre.org.uk.
Please note, Watford Women's Centre are not a crisis service and do not specialise in emergency housing support, but will be able to signpost to other appropriate agencies, including applying for refuge.
