Domestic Abuse

Help and advice if you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse

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What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse can affect anyone.

Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It is any kind of violent, threatening, bullying, coercive or controlling behaviour from someone you have (or have had) a relationship with.

It can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial and psychological abuse.

It can include so-called 'honour-based' violence or abuse such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.

If you're experiencing domestic abuse you should get help immediately.

Remember that you are not to blame - never be afraid to ask for help and support.

Read Victim Support guidance on recognising the signs of domestic abuse (opens new window)
Read the legal definition of domestic abuse (Domestic Abuse Act 2021)
Read Fenland District Council's Policy and Procedure for Supporting Residents Experiencing Domestic Abuse (PDF, 1 MB)

Get help now

Domestic abuse is a crime. Always call 999 in an emergency.

If you are unable to talk, stay on the line and press 55 when prompted.

For non-emergency advice from the police, call 101.

Help from the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Call 0808 2000 247 (freephone)
Visit the National Domestic Abuse Helpline website

Further advice and support

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership (DASV)
Domestic Abuse Support Service (DASS) - IMPAKT: Call 0300 3731073, email DASSreferrals@impakt.org.uk or visit their website.
National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV): Call 0800 970 2070, text 'NCDV' to 60777 or visit their website.

Safe Spaces

UK Says No More is working with pharmacies, banks and selected Jobcentres across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse. Find a Safe Space near you by using the location finder. The room will contain all of the information you need and provide a sanctuary to make relevant calls.
Cambridgeshire Libraries also offers Safe Spaces. In every library you can use a library computer to seek information and support without the risk of an abuser tracking your search. Library computers are free to use and cannot be monitored. Some libraries, including March and Wisbech, also offer an enhanced "safe space", where library staff can offer a private room, phone and contact details for appropriate support services. Find out more on the Cambridgeshire County Council website.

Help for LGBTQ+ people

If you are in a same-sex relationship you can call the National LGBT+ Domestic Violence Helpline on 0800 999 5428.

Help for men

Men can get targeted help through the Men's Advice Line.

Call 0808 801 0327 (freephone).

Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

I need to leave my home because of domestic abuse

You may decide to leave your home if you are at risk from domestic abuse.

If you can, you should try to organise temporary accommodation before you leave. We realise this will not always be possible. You should always leave your home if it is not safe for you to live there.

However, you should speak to us as soon as you can. We may be able to help you move back to your home and live there safely at a later date.

Email us at housingadvice@fenland.gov.uk or call 01354 654321 and ask for housing advice.

If you need to leave your home, we strongly advise that you do not, for example:

post your door keys through your letterbox
return your door keys to your landlord

Actions like this could indicate you have left your home permanently. It may make it difficult for us to help you move back if and when it is safe to do so.

Read Refuge's advice about planning to leave home.