Domestic abuse is defined by the UK Government as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional. This abuse can also take different forms, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Not Normal
We support the campaign and work done to prevent domestic abuse by our partner agency, South Yorkshire Police. Their advice on Domestic Abuse can be found below.
How can I get help?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency, or tell a family member, friend or neighbour. Many abusers rely on silence so they can continue the abuse.
If you are worried about a loved one or someone you know, report it. The police will listen.
Visit their website to find out more.
The Silent Solution
If you call 999 in an emergency but you are unable to speak to the operator because of your circumstances, you can use something called the Silent Solution. This means that the operator will ask you a series of questions – they may ask you to cough, or make a noise, or press a button on your phone, so they know you are listening to them. They will then ask you to press ’55’ on your keypad.
This is the Silent Solution, and lets the operator know that you are in an emergency situation and require urgent help. The operator will then listen to what they can hear and make an assessment about what type of response is required.
Do not call 999 and press ’55’ immediately – this may not be registered as a legitimate emergency call, listen to the operator’s instructions and only press ’55’ when instructed.
Bright Sky app
Domestic abuse charity Hestia and the Vodafone Foundation have created a free mobile app called Bright Sky to provide information and support to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship, or those concerned about someone they know. It’s available in four languages and has a UK-wide directory of domestic abuse support agencies with contact details.
Find out more about the app here or search ‘Bright Sky’ on your device app store.
Local support
Sheffield
Sheffield Domestic Abuse Coordination Team
Sheffield DACT, Sheffield City Council, Moorfoot Building, Sheffield, S1 4PL
0808 808 2241 (Helpline Mon-Fri 8am-7pm; Sat 9am-5pm)
help@sheffielddact.org.uk
http://sheffielddact.org.uk/domestic-abuse/
Rotherham
Rotherham Rise
https://rotherhamrise.org.uk/
Call our Advice Line Monday to Friday, from 9am till 5pm: 0330 2020571
Send us a message via our Online Support Form – click here.
Email us at help@rotherhamrise.org.uk
Doncaster
Doncaster Domestic Abuse Support
https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/crime-anti-social-behaviour-nuisance/domestic-abuse-support#
If you would like to speak to a domestic abuse worker in the Domestic Abuse Hub telephone 01302 737080
Email dahub@doncaster.gov.uk
Barnsley
Barnsley Independent Domestic Abuse Service
https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/domestic-abuse-and-sexual-violence/
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of domestic abuse, speak up – don’t suffer alone: call 03000 110 110
info@idas.org.uk
National Support
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, call: 0808 2000 247, or visit: nationaldahelpline.org.uk (online live chat via the site Mon-Fri: 3pm -10pm)
Mankind
Domestic Abuse & Violence support for men. Call: 01823 334 244 (Mon – Fri: 10am – 4pm), or visit: mankind.org.uk
Respect Men’s Advice Line
Freephone:0808 8010327
Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK (mensadviceline.org.uk)
Galop
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse. Call: 0800 999 5428, or visit: galop.org.uk (online live chat via the site Wed & Thu: 5pm-8pm)