Help and advice about domestic abuse
Home > Help and advice > Help and advice about domestic abuse
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people who are 16 years and older, who have been in a relationship, or between family members. It can affect anybody, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
The violence can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional. It can include honour based violence, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage.
Keeping Safe
There are some basic steps which may help to increase your own safety. It is important that you seek help if you are planning to leave an abusive relationship and not put yourself at any further risk.
- Don't underestimate any threats.
- Keep a log of incidents. You can get help with this by contacting your trusted friends, family and services or agencies.
- Work out a safety plan to protect yourself. You can do this by contacting the services or agencies below.
- Keep copies or originals of important identification documents.
- Try to put aside any spare money and clothes.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers with the contact numbers below for help and support.
- Know where to go in a crisis.
Where to get help
Local services
CRI East Sussex Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service (IDVA) gives information and support to women and men. They will talk through your housing options and will also help children and young people who are living with domestic abuse.
Phone: 01424 716629
(CRI is available during office hours. Please phone the national helpline for help and advice out of office hours).
Website: www.cri.org.uk
National services
Refuge and Women’s Aid Domestic Violence Service give support and advice to women and can also help you find temporary accommodation.
Phone: 0808 2000247 (24 hr helpline)
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line give help and support for men in abusive relationships, including men in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships
Phone: 0808 8010327
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Domestic abuse is a crime – in an emergency always call 999.
Alternatively you can phone Sussex Police’s non-emergency number.
Phone: 101
Pass on information about a crime anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Page last updated on 05 March 2012
