Domestic abuse support

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour used by one person to harm, intimidate, control or manipulate another person with whom they have a personal connection. It can occur between partners, former partners and family members.

Abuse can take many forms, including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual and economic abuse. It is not limited to physical violence. Some people experience abuse through controlling behaviour that affects their freedom, choices, independence and relationships.

Domestic abuse can have a serious impact on a person's physical health, emotional wellbeing, confidence and sense of safety. The effects can also extend to children, family members and others living within the household.

Anyone can experience domestic abuse regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexuality, social background or financial circumstances.

If you regularly feel frightened of a partner, former partner or family member, or you are changing your behaviour to avoid their reaction, you may be experiencing domestic abuse.

Examples of domestic abuse include:

• being repeatedly criticised, humiliated or insulted.
• being made to feel worthless or responsible for someone else's behaviour.
• threats to hurt or kill you, your children, family members or pets.
• physical assaults, violence or unwanted sexual activity.
• being prevented from seeing friends, family or support networks.
• having money controlled or withheld.
• restrictions placed on your phone, transport or access to services.
• constant monitoring of your movements, activities or communications.

Abuse can also take place through technology. A perpetrator may monitor emails, text messages, social media accounts, internet use, online banking, smart devices or location settings. Technology can be used to track, intimidate and control someone even when they are not physically present.

Unauthorised access to another person's online accounts, devices or information may be a criminal offence. Concerns about hacking, cybercrime or online monitoring can be reported to Action Fraud.

If you are concerned about your online safety, the guidance provided by Sussex Police and Women's Aid can help you understand how to browse more safely, remove browsing history and access support discreetly.

Domestic abuse often forms part of a continuing pattern of behaviour rather than a single incident. In many situations the abuse becomes more frequent, more controlling or more serious over time.

Recognising that a relationship or family situation is abusive can be difficult. Abuse often develops gradually and may become normalised. Understanding what is happening and seeking support can be an important step towards increasing safety and reducing harm.

Everyone has the right to live free from fear, violence, intimidation and abuse.

Legal Definition

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, behaviour by one person towards another is considered domestic abuse where:

• both people are aged 16 or over.
• they are personally connected, such as partners, former partners or family members.
• the behaviour is abusive.

The Act recognises the following forms of abuse:

• physical abuse.
• sexual abuse.
• violent or threatening behaviour.
• controlling or coercive behaviour.
• economic abuse.
• psychological, emotional or other forms of abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 also recognises children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right where they see, hear or experience the effects of the abuse and are related to, or under the parental responsibility of, the person being abused or the person carrying out the abuse. The law recognises that domestic abuse may consist of a single incident or a pattern of behaviour over time.

Domestic abuse is a crime. It can take many different forms and affect people in different ways.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse includes any form of physical violence or physical intimidation. This may include hitting, punching, kicking, biting, pushing, restraining, throwing objects or causing physical injury. Threats of violence can also be abusive, even where no injury has occurred.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity that takes place without genuine consent. Nobody should be pressured, frightened or manipulated into sexual activity. Sexual behaviour that causes fear, distress, humiliation or harm is never acceptable.

Coercive and controlling behaviour

Coercive and controlling behaviour involves a pattern of actions used to restrict another person's independence and freedom. This can include isolating someone from support networks, controlling daily activities, monitoring their behaviour, tracking their movements or online activity, or creating fear of consequences if they do not comply.

Economic abuse

Economic abuse occurs when someone uses money, resources, property, employment, or education as a method of control. Examples include taking wages or benefits, restricting access to bank accounts, creating debt in another person's name, monitoring spending, preventing someone from working or studying, making them financially dependent, controlling access to essential resources, or damaging or destroying their belongings.

Emotional and psychological abuse

Emotional and psychological abuse involves behaviour that damages a person's confidence, wellbeing or sense of self. This may include intimidation, humiliation, blame, insults, threats, manipulation or repeated criticism.

A common example is gaslighting, where someone repeatedly distorts, denies or changes information to make another person doubt their memory, judgement or understanding of events.

Questions to consider

The following questions may help you think about your own situation:

• do you change your behaviour because you are worried about how someone will react?
• do you feel as though you are constantly walking on eggshells?
• do you feel isolated from the people who matter to you?
• is someone controlling your access to money or financial decisions?
• do you regularly question your own memory, judgement or understanding because of how someone treats you?

If any of these situations feel familiar, support is available and you do not have to face it alone.

Children are often affected by domestic abuse, whether they see it directly, hear it happening, witness the aftermath, or live in an environment where abuse and fear are present. Domestic abuse can have a significant impact on a child's emotional wellbeing, development, education, behaviour and sense of security. 

Children living in households where domestic abuse occurs are also at greater risk of experiencing abuse themselves. The impact can continue long after the abusive behaviour has stopped.

Every child deserves to feel safe, listened to and protected. Experiencing domestic abuse is never a child's fault.

Domestic abuse may affect children in different ways, including:

• feeling anxious, frightened or constantly on edge.
• difficulties concentrating at school or college.
• changes in behaviour, mood or relationships.
• problems sleeping or frequent nightmares.
• withdrawal from friends, family or activities they previously enjoyed.
• feelings of guilt, confusion or responsibility for what is happening at home.
• low confidence and reduced self-esteem.

Further information about the effects of abuse on children can be found through the NSPCC's guidance on recognising the signs and impact of harm on children. 

Supporting a Child

If a child has experienced or witnessed domestic abuse, there are ways you can help:

• reassure them that the abuse is wrong.
• make it clear that they are not responsible for what has happened.
• listen to them and take their concerns seriously.
• encourage them to speak with a trusted adult about how they are feeling.
• help them identify people and services they can turn to for support.
• work together to develop a plan for what they should do if they ever feel unsafe.

Children and young people may benefit from specialist support services such as Childline and Your Space West Sussex, where they can access advice, information and emotional support. 

Additional advice for parents, carers and professionals can also be found in the Women's Aid Survivor's Handbook and other specialist resources. 

Getting Help

If you are concerned about a child who may be experiencing the effects of domestic abuse, support is available.

The NSPCC Helpline operates from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Other contact options are available through the NSPCC website.

No child should have to live in fear. Early support can make a significant difference to a child's safety, recovery and future wellbeing.

Children living with domestic violence and abuse are more likely than other children to be directly abused themselves. Children witnessing domestic violence and abuse are at risk of being harmed emotionally and psychologically and their education and behaviour and development may also suffer.

Other ways that domestic abuse can affect a child can be found on the NSPCC - Signs, indicators and effects.

Help if you are being hurt

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, we are here to support you. Abuse is never your fault, and you do not have to deal with it on your own. Our role is to listen, understand your situation and help you explore the options available to improve your safety and wellbeing.

When you contact us, we can:

• listen to your concerns and experiences without judgement. 
• talk to you about your safety and any immediate risks. 
• provide advice about your housing and legal rights. 
• help you understand the options available to protect yourself and your family.
• support you through legal or court processes where appropriate. 
• work alongside other agencies and professionals to reduce risk and increase safety. 

Support will be tailored to your circumstances. This may include:

• helping you access safe accommodation or emergency housing if needed. 
• arranging support from specialist domestic abuse services and other organisations. 
• looking at practical measures to make you safer at home. 
• developing a safety plan that reflects your needs and wishes. 
• helping reduce risk if you choose to remain in the relationship or household. 

If you need emergency accommodation or housing advice because of domestic abuse, you can contact our Housing Options and Advice service. 

In some situations, and only where it is safe and appropriate to do so, work may take place with the person responsible for the abuse to reduce risk and prevent further harm. Any decisions about support will be discussed with you and your safety will remain the priority. 

We understand that seeking help can be difficult. We will work at a pace that feels right for you and will not pressure you into making decisions before you are ready. 

If meeting at our offices is not suitable, we can discuss alternative arrangements and identify a safe, accessible and appropriate place to meet. 

Help if someone you know is being hurt

If you are concerned about a friend, relative, neighbour, colleague or another person, you can contact us for advice and support. You do not need proof that abuse is taking place before seeking help. 

People experiencing domestic abuse often feel isolated and may not know where to turn. Concerns raised by someone they trust can sometimes be the first step towards getting support. 

When you contact us, we may be able to:

• discuss your concerns and provide guidance. 
• reach out to the person if appropriate and safe to do so. 
• assess their level of risk and support needs. 
• help them access specialist services and practical support. 
• provide advice about legal rights, housing options and safety planning. 
• work with partner agencies to reduce risk and improve safety. 

Support may include:

• assistance to access safe accommodation. 
• referrals to specialist services. 
• practical safety measures and planning. 
• support for individuals who choose to remain in their current circumstances while exploring options. 

Where possible, we can keep your details confidential and discuss any concerns you may have about your identity being disclosed. 

Help if you are worried about your own behaviour

Sometimes people become concerned about their own behaviour towards a partner, former partner or family member. Recognising that your behaviour may be causing harm is an important first step towards making positive changes. 

If you are worried about how you treat others, specialist services are available to help you understand your behaviour, take responsibility for your actions and develop healthier ways of managing relationships. 

Support is available through organisations such as Respect, which works with people who want to stop abusive or controlling behaviour and build safer relationships. 

Seeking help is a sign that you want things to change. Support services can provide information, advice and programmes designed to reduce harm and improve outcomes for everyone involved. 

Help if you are concerned about a partner's past behaviour (Clare's Law)

Please read our section on Clare's Law.

Confidentiality

We understand that confidentiality is extremely important when discussing domestic abuse and seeking support. Information you share with us will be treated sensitively and with respect. 

Where possible, we will keep the information you provide confidential. However, there are some circumstances where we may have a legal or safeguarding duty to share information with other agencies. This is most likely where there are concerns that a child or adult is at risk of significant harm. 

When information needs to be shared, we will:

• explain why information may need to be shared. 
• seek your agreement wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so. 
• share only the information that is necessary. 
• work in line with safeguarding responsibilities and legal requirements.

We may share information without consent when:

• there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person. 
• a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect. 
• an adult with care and support needs may be at risk of abuse or neglect. 
• we are required to do so by law. 

We will never share information you provide with the person who is abusing you, unless there is a lawful reason that requires us to do so. Your safety will remain at the centre of all decisions we make.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, are worried about someone else, or would like advice about your situation, we are here to help. You can contact us directly, or ask a trusted professional such as a GP, social worker, housing officer, support worker or another professional to contact us on your behalf. 

Before getting in touch, you may wish to read our confidentiality information so you understand how we use and share information and the circumstances in which safeguarding responsibilities may require us to involve other agencies. 

Contact details

• Telephone: 01903 737552 
• Opening hours: 
  
  • Monday to Thursday: 8.45am to 5.15pm 
  • Friday: 8.45am to 4.45pm 
• Email: housing.options@arun.gov.uk

Out of hours support

If you need assistance outside normal office hours, call 01903 737500, which will connect you to our out-of-hours service. 

Emergency housing assistance

If domestic abuse means you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or unable to remain safely in your home, we can provide housing advice and support. Help may be available whether you need emergency accommodation, advice about your housing options, or support to remain safely in your home where appropriate. 

If you are in immediate danger

If you are in immediate danger or a crime is taking place, call 999 and ask for the police. 

Additional support outside office hours

If you would prefer to speak to a specialist domestic abuse service, or need support when council offices are closed, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. The helpline is free to call and available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 

Accessible contact options

We want our services to be accessible and inclusive. If there is anything we can do to make it easier for you to contact us or take part in appointments, please let us know. We will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to ensure you can access support safely and in a way that meets your needs.

We can support people who:

• have a disability, long-term health condition or mobility needs. 
• are Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or have hearing loss. 
• are blind, partially sighted or have visual impairments. 
• have speech, language or communication needs. 
• have learning disabilities, learning difficulties or neurodivergent needs. 
• need information provided in a different format or language.

Where appropriate, we may be able to arrange:

• alternative methods of communication. 
• communication support or interpretation services. 
• appointments in accessible locations. 
• information in accessible formats. 
• a safe and confidential meeting location away from your home if needed.

If English is not your first language, please tell us what support you need when you contact us. We will work with you to identify the most appropriate way to communicate safely and effectively. 

If contacting us by telephone is difficult or unsafe, please let us know your preferred way of communicating and we will discuss available options with you. Your safety, privacy and accessibility needs will be considered throughout our involvement. 

If it is unsafe for you to speak openly, please tell us as soon as it is safe to do so. We can discuss safe methods of communication and take steps to help protect your privacy. 

Taking the first step

Seeking help can feel overwhelming, particularly if you have been living with abuse for a long time. You do not need to have made any decisions before contacting us. Whether you want information, practical support, help to improve safety, or simply someone to talk through your options with, we will listen and help you understand the support available. 

If it is not safe for you to contact us from home, consider using a trusted person's phone, a safe device, or another location where your communication is less likely to be monitored.

We are committed to delivering domestic abuse services that are anti-racist, inclusive and free from discrimination. We recognise that people experience domestic abuse within the context of their individual identities, life experiences and wider inequalities. 

Domestic abuse can affect anyone. However, not everyone experiences abuse, risk, safety or access to support in the same way. Factors such as race, ethnicity, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, immigration status, language needs, caring responsibilities, poverty and housing insecurity can influence how abuse is experienced and the barriers someone faces when seeking help. 

We recognise that some people experience multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination and disadvantage. This is known as intersectionality. An intersectional approach helps us understand how a person's circumstances may increase risk, reduce options or create additional barriers to safety and support. 

We also recognise that perpetrators may deliberately exploit discrimination, prejudice, dependency or marginalisation as part of their abuse. This can include:

• using racist, sexist, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, disablist, ageist or faith-based abuse. 
• threatening to disclose a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, health condition or other personal information without consent. 
• exploiting language barriers, immigration status, financial dependence, disability or caring needs. 
• isolating people from family, friends, faith groups, cultural communities or support networks. 
• using fear of discrimination, fear of not being believed, or previous negative experiences of services to discourage someone from seeking help. 

Our commitments

Anti-racist practice

We actively challenge racism and recognise the impact that racial discrimination, structural inequality and cultural barriers can have on safety, wellbeing and access to support. We are committed to providing services that are fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of Black and racially minoritised residents. 

Equality and inclusion

We are committed to ensuring that all victim-survivors are treated with dignity, fairness and respect, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances. 

Accessible services

We will work to remove barriers that may prevent people from accessing support, including communication, cultural, language, accessibility and practical barriers. 

Intersectional responses

We recognise that people's experiences and support needs may be shaped by multiple factors. We will consider the whole person and their individual circumstances rather than making assumptions based on any single aspect of their identity. 

Continuous learning and improvement

We will continue to review our services, policies and practices to improve accessibility, challenge discrimination and deliver better outcomes for all victim-survivors. 

Everyone has the right to safety

Everyone has the right to live free from abuse, discrimination, intimidation and violence. We are committed to creating services where all victim-survivors feel safe to seek support, confident that they will be listened to, respected and treated fairly.

Domestic abuse can take many forms and is not always easy to recognise. Understanding abuse can help you make sense of your own experiences, support someone you are concerned about, or learn more about the impact abuse can have on individuals and families.

People learn in different ways. Some people prefer to read information, while others find visual resources such as the Power and Control Wheel helpful in recognising patterns of abusive behaviour. No single resource can explain every experience of abuse, so you may find it useful to explore more than one of the resources below.

The organisations and resources listed here provide information, guidance and practical tools to help people better understand domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual abuse, healthy relationships and personal safety.

Visual tools to understanding abuse

Power and Control Wheel | The National Domestic Violence Hotline A widely-used tool that illustrates the different tactics perpetrators may use to gain power and control in a relationship, including intimidation, isolation, emotional abuse and economic abuse.

Domestic Abuse “Wheels” - Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership A collection of wheels exploring different forms of abuse and the impact domestic abuse can have on victims, children and families.

The Post Separation Abuse Wheel Explains how abuse can continue after a relationship has ended, including harassment, manipulation, legal abuse, child contact issues and ongoing coercive control.

Abuse of Children Wheel Helps explain behaviours that may be used to harm, manipulate or exert control through children, and highlights the impact of abuse on children's wellbeing and safety.

Understanding domestic abuse

• Women's Aid - Downloads and resources - Women's Aid - I need help - information and support on domestic abuse
• Refuge
• SafeLives
• Domestic Abuse Commissioner

Coercive and controlling behaviour

• Women's Aid
• Refuge
• Home | Rights of Women

Healthy relationships and recognising abuse

• Women's Aid
• Healthy Relationships vs Domestic Abuse: Signs, Support and Guidance
• Healthy and unhealthy relationships | NSPCC Learning

Stalking and Harassment

• Suzy Lamplugh Trust
• Stalking - Victim Support

Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence

• Rape Crisis England & Wales

Children and Young People 

• NSPCC
• The Hideout (Women's Aid)

We have also created a comprehensive reference guide: Types of Domestic Abuse - Guide [pdf] 177KB for residents and professionals alike who would like to know more about the many facets of abuse.

Domestic abuse can affect a person's housing situation in many ways. Some people may need emergency accommodation, while others may need support to remain safely in their home. If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or concerned about your housing because of domestic abuse, housing advice and support may be available.

Please see Homeless or at risk of homelessness if you are facing any of these issues.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is also known as 'Clare's law'. This is because of the landmark case that led to it.

Clare's law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them.

A member of the public can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.

Clare's law has two functions:

• right to ask - this enables someone to ask the police about a partner's previous history of domestic abuse or violent acts
• right to know - police can proactively disclose information in certain circumstances

You can apply for Clare's law by:

• attending your local police station or calling 101 - a police officer will take the details of what prompted the enquiry and talk through the next steps
• online via the Sussex Police website

The police will invite you to a meeting. At this stage, you will need identification.

The police will not make the disclosure in writing and documents are not provided.

Under the scheme, a local authority (such as a social worker) can make an official request for disclosure if they suspect an an individual is at risk of domestic abuse.

When a local authority submits a request on behalf of someone else, they must demonstrate that they have a safeguarding duty and that there is a genuine concern for that person's safety. The police will carry out the necessary background checks and-if a risk is identified-the information will be shared with the potential victim, not just the local authority, so the victim can make an informed decision about their safety. 

To initiate an application on behalf of an individual, a local authority representative or practitioner should contact their regional police force.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse is any sexual activity, behaviour or contact that takes place without a person's consent.

It can happen within a current relationship, after a relationship has ended, within a family, between people who know each other, or by someone who is not known to the victim-survivor. Sexual abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, disability or background. 

Many people think sexual abuse is only rape or sexual assault. While these are forms of sexual abuse, sexual abuse can take many forms and may be part of a wider pattern of domestic abuse, coercive control or violence. 

Sexual abuse may include:

• rape or sexual assault. 
• unwanted sexual touching or contact. 
• being pressured, manipulated, intimidated or frightened into sexual activity. 
• being made to take part in sexual acts that you do not want to take part in. 
• being forced or pressured into unsafe sexual activity. 
• threats, coercion or emotional pressure used to obtain sex. 
• sharing, or threatening to share, intimate images without consent. 
• any sexual activity that takes place without freely given consent.

Understanding consent

Consent means freely and willingly agreeing to sexual activity.

A person does not consent because they are in a relationship, married, have had sex before, or did not physically resist. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. 

Someone may be unable to give consent if they are:

• frightened or being threatened. 
• pressured, manipulated or coerced.
• asleep or unconscious. 
• under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent they cannot make an informed decision. 
• unable to understand what they are consenting to. 

Sex without consent is never acceptable. Responsibility always lies with the person who chose to commit the abuse. 

If this has happened to you

If you have experienced sexual abuse, it is important to know that what happened was not your fault.

Many victim-survivors feel ashamed, confused, embarrassed, frightened or worried that they will not be believed. Some may not recognise what happened as abuse immediately, particularly when the person responsible was a partner, former partner, family member or someone they trusted. Others may blame themselves or wonder if they somehow caused the abuse. 

You are not to blame for someone else's actions.

You do not need to justify what happened to you, explain why you stayed, explain why you did not report it, or explain why you are seeking help now. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, support is available. 

Support is available

Sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, confidence and mental health. Every person responds differently, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. 

If you would like support, there are organisations that can help. Whether you want someone to listen, practical advice, emotional support, healthcare, housing advice, safeguarding support or information about reporting to the police, you do not have to face this alone. 

You will be listened to. You will be taken seriously. Help is available when you are ready.

What is stalking?

Stalking is a pattern of unwanted behaviour that leaves someone feeling frightened, distressed, watched or unsafe. It can happen in person, online, through social media, over the phone, or in other ways.

Sometimes a single incident may not seem significant on its own, but stalking is about the pattern of behaviour and the effect it has on the person experiencing it. Things that may appear small or harmless to others can become frightening when they happen repeatedly. 

Stalking can be carried out by a current or former partner, a family member, a friend, an acquaintance or someone you do not know. It can happen during a relationship, after a relationship has ended, or where there has never been a relationship at all. 

What might stalking look like?

Stalking can take many forms. Examples include:

• repeated unwanted calls, texts, emails or social media messages. 
• following you or regularly appearing where you are. 
• turning up unexpectedly at your home, workplace, school or other places you visit. 
• monitoring your movements, routines or online activity. 
• sending unwanted gifts, cards, flowers or deliveries. 
• contacting friends, family members, neighbours or colleagues to gather information about you. 
• tracking your location using technology or devices. 
• creating fake accounts or attempting to communicate with you after being asked not to. 
• how stalking can affect people

Being stalked can affect every part of a person's life. Many people change their daily routines, avoid certain places or feel constantly on edge because of the behaviour they are experiencing. 

You may:

• feel anxious, frightened or constantly alert. 
• struggle to sleep or relax. 
• change your routes, routines or social activities. 
• feel isolated or less confident. 
• worry about the safety of your children, family, friends or pets. 

If someone's behaviour is making you feel unsafe, it is important to trust your instincts and seek advice.

Keeping a record

If it is safe to do so, keeping a record of incidents can help show the pattern of behaviour.

You may wish to:

• keep a diary of what has happened and when. 
• save messages, emails and voicemails. 
• take screenshots of online activity. 
• keep details of unwanted gifts, letters or deliveries. 
• note how the behaviour has affected your daily life and wellbeing. 

Support is available

If you are experiencing stalking, you do not have to manage it alone. Specialist services can help you understand your options, improve your safety and access practical and emotional support. 

Support may include:

• talking through what is happening. 
• developing a personal safety plan. 
• advice about reporting to the police. 
• support with housing, legal or practical concerns. 
• help accessing other organisations and services.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

For non-emergency police assistance, call 101. Specialist support is also available through organisations such as The National Stalking Helpline, Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service and Veritas Justice. 

You do not need to wait until the situation gets worse before seeking help. If someone's behaviour is causing fear, distress or making you feel unsafe, support and advice are available.

For many people, pets are part of the family. They provide companionship, comfort and emotional support, particularly during difficult times.

People who use domestic abuse may target pets as a way of controlling, intimidating or punishing someone. Threatening, harming or neglecting an animal can be a form of coercive and controlling behaviour and should always be taken seriously. 

This may include:

• threatening to harm or kill a pet. 
• injuring, neglecting or mistreating an animal. 
• withholding food, veterinary treatment or basic care. 
• using a pet to frighten, control or punish someone. 
• threatening to give a pet away, abandon it or prevent contact with it. 

Many victim-survivors worry about what will happen to their pets if they leave an abusive situation. Concerns about a cat, dog, rabbit, bird, reptile, horse or another animal can be a significant barrier to seeking safety. If this is something you are worried about, please tell the professional or service supporting you. 

Support may be available through specialist pet fostering services, animal welfare organisations and local rescue charities. These services may be able to provide temporary care, advice, rehoming support or help identify options to keep both you and your pet safe. 

Organisations that may be able to help

 

Dogs Trust Freedom Project

Free and confidential fostering for dogs belonging to people escaping domestic abuse. 

Cats Protection Lifeline

Confidential temporary fostering for cats whose owners need to reach safety. 

Wadars

West Sussex animal welfare charity providing animal rescue, rehoming and support services. 

RSPCA Sussex West Branch

Provides rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming services across West Sussex. 

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

Supports and rehomes a wide range of animals across Sussex. 

The Cinnamon Trust

Provides fostering and pet care support through a national network of volunteers. 

You should never feel that you have to choose between your own safety and the safety of a pet. If concerns about an animal are affecting your decisions, support may be available for both of you.

Reaching out for support can feel difficult, especially if you are unsure where to start. You do not have to face abuse alone, and there are organisations that can help regardless of your circumstances, identity, background or where you are in your journey. 

Some people prefer support from a local service in their community, while others feel more comfortable speaking to a national helpline or a specialist organisation that understands their individual experiences and needs. 

If you are looking for support in your area, the Women's Aid Domestic Abuse Directory provides up-to-date information about local domestic abuse services across the UK. Services listed in the directory update their own information, helping people find support that meets their needs. 

You can also find information and guidance about domestic abuse, your rights and available support on GOV.UK. 

The organisations below offer a range of support, including advice, emotional support, safety planning, advocacy, housing guidance, legal information and specialist services for different communities and forms of abuse. 

Whether the abuse is happening now, happened in the past, or you are worried about someone else, support is available. If you are unsure which service is right for you, contact the organisation you feel most comfortable approaching. They can often provide support directly or help connect you with the most appropriate service

Local services

My Sisters' House is a women's centre. They can be contacted on 01243 697800.

Safe Space Sussex is an online directory of local victim and witness specialist support services.

Safe in Sussex is a registered charity providing help and support for people affected by domestic abuse in West Sussex.

The Daisy Chain Project is a charity based in Worthing aiming to help fight domestic abuse.

Veritas Justice is a Sussex-based service for victims of stalking.

Lifecentre is a charity offering support to people of all ages, genders and backgrounds who have had an unwanted sexual experience

National services

Hourglass - support for adults aged 50+. Phone: 0808 808 8141 (24 hours a day).

Hersana - support for Black survivors of abuse and violence. Phone: 0333 016 9610 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm).

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline - support for LGBT+ people. Phone: 0300 330 0630 (10am to 10pm every day).

Opoka - domestic abuse support for Polish women and their families. Phone: 0300 365 1700 (Polish; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 1pm).

Surviving Economic Abuse - UK charity raising awareness of and responding to economic abuse.

Action Fraud - reporting fraud and cybercrime.

Citizens Advice Bureau - general legal advice.

Domestic Violence Assist - support with non-molestation, occupation and prohibited steps orders.

Galop / National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline - domestic abuse support for LGBT+ people.

Imkaan - national umbrella organisation addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls.

Jewish Women's Aid - domestic abuse support for Jewish women

Latin American Women's Aid - domestic abuse support for Latin American women

ManKind Initiative - helping men escape domestic abuse

Men's Advice Line - domestic abuse support for male survivors

National Domestic Abuse helpline - available 24/7

NCDV - support with emergency court injunctions

Praxis - support for migrants and refugees

Rape Crisis - support for survivors of rape and sexual violence

Rights of Women - free legal advice

SignHealth - domestic abuse support for people from the deaf community

Survivors UK - support for male survivors of sexual violence

Suzy Lamplugh Trust / National Stalking Helpline - support for victims of stalking

The Cyber Helpline - Support for victims of cyber crime

The Traveller Movement - a specialist domestic abuse helpline for all Gypsy, Roma and Traveller women looking for help in the UK

Karma Nirvana - 0800 599 9247 - Support to people affected by issues related to forced marriage or 'honour' crimes. Lines are open from 9.30am to 5pm

IKWRO - support for Middle Eastern, North African and Afghan women and girls.

Women's Aid - domestic abuse information and support.

Refuge - domestic abuse support services.

Victim Support - information and support relating to domestic abuse.

GOV.UK: Domestic abuse-how to get help - government guidance and support information.

Domestic abuse can have fatal consequences. When someone dies and domestic abuse is believed to have been a contributing factor, a Domestic Abuse-Related Death Review (DARDR) may be carried out. These reviews can follow a homicide, a suicide, or other deaths where domestic abuse is considered relevant to understanding what happened. 

These reviews aim to understand the circumstances surrounding a death, identify learning and help improve the way organisations respond to domestic abuse in the future. 

Domestic Abuse-Related Death Reviews are an important part of transparency and public accountability. They acknowledge the experiences of victims whose deaths have informed learning and help agencies, partnerships and communities better understand domestic abuse and its risks. 

Although reviews are often published several years after a death because of criminal proceedings, coroners' inquests and other legal processes, the learning they contain remains valuable and relevant. 

For more information about the review process and to read published reviews, visit the Safer West Sussex Partnership webpage.