Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. It is any incident or pattern of incidents, of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between people aged 16 or over, who are or have been in a relationship or who are immediate family members.
This can include but is not limited to the following types of behaviour:
It can be one of the above or a number of them.
It does not have to include physical abuse.
If you are in fear of a partner, ex-partner, or member of your family, you might be experiencing domestic abuse. For example, do they:
It doesn’t matter about the age, gender, race, ethnic or religious group, class, sexuality, disability, or lifestyle of the individual.
Domestic abuse is a crime.
There are many organisations that can help and support you. You are not to blame for the abuse, no matter what the abuser tells you.
The first steps to take are:
If you need immediate assistance because you are concerned for your personal safety or the safety of someone else, call the police on 999.
If something has happened that you need to report, but there is no immediate danger, report this to the police by using:
If you have experienced domestic abuse and need support, advice, or a place of safety, phone the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse freephone number 0800 019 8668. (But not for emergencies.)
You can also email them at derbyshiredahelpline@theelmfoundation.org.uk or if you are hard of hearing or deaf you can text on 07534 617252.
This service is provided locally by The Elm Foundation, and is available to everyone - men and women, children and young people, whatever their ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability.
Find out about the help and support The Elm Foundation can provide, and how to contact them on The Elm Foundation website.
Amber Valley Borough Council works with local services to ensure victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence can get advice and support. We raise awareness with professionals and communities through promotional campaigns, education, and training.
We can also support you with advice:
There are other local and national organisations that can help you;
Our community safety team can be contacted directly on 01773 570222 ext 1652, or emailed at communitysafety@ambervalley.gov.uk. Please note that the extension number and email inbox is only monitored during our office opening hours.
Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 ext 1652 or email communitysafety@ambervalley.gov.uk
