Domestic abuse | Accent

Need help now?  

  • If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 

  • If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted 

There is always help available 

Abuse is never your fault.  We understand that asking for help can feel difficult, frightening or overwhelming. You do not have to face this alone. Whatever your situation, we will listen without judgement and support you to access the help that is right for you. 

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is any behaviour used by one person to control, hurt, frighten or manipulate another person. It can happen between partners, former partners or family members and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, disability or background. 

Domestic abuse can include: 

  • Physical abuse 

  • Emotional or psychological abuse 

  • Coercive or controlling behaviour 

  • Financial abuse 

  • Online abuse 

  • Stalking 

  • Listen and take your concerns seriously 

  • Work with you to develop a safety plan that reflects your individual needs and circumstances 

  • With your agreement, work alongside the police and specialist agencies where appropriate to help keep you safe 

  • Consider additional security measures for your home 

  • Work with you to explore the safest housing option, whether that's improving the safety of your current home or supporting a move where this is the best option 

  • Make safeguarding referrals where someone is at risk 

  • Treat information you share with us sensitivity and confidentiality. If we believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, we may need to share information with relevant services to help keep people safe. 

If you’re in an unsafe situation 

  • Call us on 0345 678 0555 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm) 

  • We will never inform the perpetrator 

  • We will respond sensitively and quickly 

Domestic abuse can affect the whole family. We will always consider the safety and wellbeing of any children involved and work with appropriate agencies where needed. 

You do not need proof to raise a concern. If something doesn’t feel right, contact us. We can support concerns about domestic abuse, vulnerable adults, children, exploitation, neglect or someone who appears unable to keep themselves safe. 

  • Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger 

  • Never confront an abuser 

  • If safe, listen and support without judgement 

If you're concerned that someone may be monitoring your online activity, consider using a safe device, browsing in private mode, clearing your browser history and accessing support from a location where you feel safe. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. 

A canal on a sunny day, with a number of newly built homes on the far bank

If you need to leave your home

We can: 

  • Help secure your home 
  • Help you find safe accommodation or refuge 
  • Support rehousing 

Every situation is different. We will work with you to explore the safest option for you and your family. This may include improving the safety and security of your current home, supporting access to refuge accommodation, or helping you move where this is the safest and most appropriate option. 

Support Hands Safeguarding Domestic Abuse

Our promise to you  

  • We will listen without judgement 
  • We will take concerns seriously 
  • We will treat you with dignity and respect 
  • We’ll explain your options and keep you informed throughout around our actions such as repairs and any additional home safety features 
  • We will work with you and our partners to help keep you safe 

Who else can I contact for support or information?

Many of these organisations will have useful information about the different types of domestic abuse, and provide support and advice on what to do next.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Women’s Aid offers free and confidential advice 24 hours a day. They also provide an instant messaging service and forum for those who feel safer talking online. 

Respect works with perpetrators, male victims and young people who use violence

Men’s Advice Line offers a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse

ManKind Initiative help men escape domestic abuse

Galop is an LGBT anti-abuse charity with a helpline

Karma Nirvana supports victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.

Southall Black Sisters provides advice and support primarily for Asian, African and African-Caribbean women

The Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

Mind offers ways to help in a mental health crisis.

NHS offers information and support for your mental health.

Customer Greeting Worker At The Door

Safeguarding

Information on how to report concerns and protect people from harm. Find out what safeguarding means, when to take action, and how we support safe communities.