Domestic abuse
How to get help and advice
- In an emergency always dial 999
- Call West Mercia Women's Aid Helpline 24 hours a day on 0800 783 1359. Calls are free from a landline.
- Call Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
- You can find help and advice on the West Mercia Women's Aid website and the Men's Advice Line website and more information below
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What is domestic abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act came into force in April 2021. It introduced significant measures to provide improved responses for adult and children who are survivors of domestic abuse. In Herefordshire, we are committed to addressing all forms of domestic abuse and providing support to survivors.
Domestic abuse is defined as: “Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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.”
This abuse can be, but is not limited to:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
If you, or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse then it is important you report it as soon as possible.
If you are suffering from domestic abuse remember:
- Domestic abuse can affect anyone
- You are not to blame
- You are not alone
- There are specialist services that can help you
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme - Clare's Law
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme also known as "Clare's Law" enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner's or ex-partner's previous abusive or violent offending. For more information and to make a request for information visit the West Mercia Police website.
Domestic abuse guidance and training for practitioners
Domestic violence and abuse guidance from Herefordshire Safeguarding Boards
Training for practitioners
We offer a wide range of domestic abuse training for professionals. We also hold a monthly ‘Tackling domestic abuse network’ meeting to share information about the services available in Herefordshire and the roles of the organisations involved in supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
To find out more about the tackling domestic abuse network, or to book a training course please access the Herefordshire Safeguarding Boards training and events page.
We encourage all professionals to sign up to the Safeguarding Boards regular updates.
Herefordshire’s strategy for tackling domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is unacceptable to residents and our wider communities. All victim-survivors of domestic abuse, regardless of their situation, are able to have equal access to help when they need it, including access to safe accommodation and the wider specialist support services required.
The strategy, through its implementation will enable people and communities to:
- Recognise and reject all forms of domestic abuse
- Understand where to access help
- Seek, be offered and receive effective help and support as early as possible
- Understand and have the skills to establish healthy relationships
The overall aim is to reduce the harm caused by, and the number of incidents of, domestic abuse in Herefordshire.