Get help with problems related to domestic violence or abuse

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In an emergency

If you are worried about violence, abuse or neglect, you can report your concern about a vulnerable adult or a child, directly to us, or to Avon and Somerset Police. In an emergency, call the police on 999.

Our pocket-sized reference leaflet of available services is designed to ensure that anyone suffering domestic abuse, their friends and family members, as well as any professional seeking support can identify and access the right service at the right time.

If you're worried about someone's behaviour

If you're unsure if someone's behaviour is abusive, visit the What is abuse? guide from the National Domestic Abuse Helpline to assess your situation.

You can apply to Avon and Somerset Police Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare's Law), if you are worried about someone's behaviour, and need to know if they have a previous criminal record for abuse or violence. Anyone can apply, but you will need to provide clear reasons to support your application.

Get prepared

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you may need to leave your home in a hurry. It will be easier to do this quickly and safely if you prepare now.

Things to do

• Think of a secure place you can go when you leave your home - to a friend's, with family, or a refuge.
• Keep some money aside in a safe place, for transport.
• Consider how you will travel - keep the number of a trusted taxi firm or a reliable friend on hand.
• Set up a signalling system with a friend or neighbour so that you can alert them when you are in a violent incident or making an escape.
• Keep important documents in a safe but accessible place in case you need them suddenly.
• If possible, leave when your abuser is not at home, or create an excuse to slip away.

Things to pack

It is a good idea to have some money put aside in a safe place, for transport, as well as keeping important documents and items hidden but easily accessible in case you need them quickly.

The following is a list of things you should pack if you think you may need to leave suddenly:

• Important documents (including passports, birth certificates, court orders, benefit books/cheque books, and debit/credit cards)
• Spare clothes and toiletries, including children's if appropriate
• Any essential medicines, prescriptions or glasses that you may need
• A spare set of house keys and car keys
• If you are escaping with children, don't forget to pack their favourite toy if possible

If you must leave in a hurry and have to leave important things behind, the police will be able to escort you back to collect them.

During an incident

If you have a child who is old enough, talk to them so they know they can run to a neighbour's house, or call the police, if they think you are in danger.

Do your best to stay out of lockable rooms, or rooms where items are on hand that could be used as weapons (such as the kitchen.)

Contact a local support agency or national helpline for advice, or in an emergency situation, ring 999.

Get support

Statistically, most victims of domestic violence and abuse identify as women, but there is support out there for everyone. Use the options below to find out more.

General support

For dedicated practical help, call the 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit the NDVH website.

You can visit the Victim Support website, which also offers a live chat service, or ring 0808 1689 111 for help for victims of crime and traumatic incidents, including domestic abuse.

VOICES is a Bath-based charity founded by survivors of domestic abuse. Visit their website to access peer support for women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

For confidential advice, information, and support, call Southside IDVA on 01225 331243. Independent Domestic Violence Service (IDVA) offers expert support to both men and women (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday). You can email them at enquiries@southside.org.uk.  

The Freedom Programme promotes positive changes and recovery for women and their children in a supportive environment. Three times a year they run a rolling 12-week course for women who have experienced domestic abuse and provide crèche facilities for their children to enable attendance.  

Sexual violence and abuse

SARSAS is a specialist support service for residents of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any point in their lives. Visit the SARSAS website to access support for yourself or a loved one, or call their helpline on 0808 801 0456.

Support for men

Visit the Mankind website or call 01823 334244 for confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse, including emotional support, practical information and signposting.

Visit the Respect website for help for male victims of domestic abuse, as well as work with perpetrators. Their Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. You can call them on 0808 801 0327. They provide emotional support and practical advice and can give you details of specialist services that can give you advice on legal, housing, child contact, mental health, and other issues.

Support for LGBT+ people

Visit the Galop website or call their free national helpline on 0800 999 5428, for support for LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse (this replaces the service previously provided by Broken Rainbow.)

Support for older people

Visit the website of Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse), call 0808 808 8141 or text 078 6005 2906, for support and guidance on challenging abuse of elderly people.

Children and family support

Visit the Southside website for local support in Bath and North East Somerset, helping individuals and families struggling with domestic violence and abuse.

Visit the Family Lives website, which offers a live chat option, or call their free helpline on 0808 800 2222, for help and support in cases of young people at risk of, or perpetrating, domestic violence and abuse.

If you think trouble at home may be having an effect on your children or other loved ones, visit our page on parental conflict, family mediation and domestic abuse help.

The Children and Young People (CYP) service at Julian House offers practical and emotional support, information, and education for CYP who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Call 0117942 4986 or email cyp.service@julianhouse.org.uk.

Legal support and police

If you are in an emergency situation, you should ring 999 if it is safe to do so.

In non-emergency situations, you can contact the police switchboard by dialling 101 and ask to speak to a domestic abuse specialist.

Visit the Southside website for local support in Bath and North East Somerset, helping individuals and families struggling with domestic violence and abuse.

Visit the NCDV website, call 0800 970 2070 or text NCDV to 60777 for support from the National Centre for Domestic Violence, including a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence and abuse, regardless of financial circumstances.

You can contact Victim Support on 0845 45 66 099 or Witness Service on 01225 463313 if you need trained support in a court setting.

Visit the Flows website for legal support designed to help protect women against domestic abuse. Call them on 0203 745 7707 or email flows@rcjadvice.org.uk.

Emergency accommodation and housing support

For housing support and services from Bath & North East Somerset Council, visit our dedicated pages. Help is available from the Department of Work and Pensions for people who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.  

Visit the website of housing charity Shelter or ring their free emergency helpline on 0808 800 4444 if you have nowhere to stay, or are at risk of harm or abuse.

Forced marriage

If you are trying to stop, or escape from, a forced marriage, you should contact the Government's Forced Marriage Unit. Email FMU@fco.gov.uk, or call 020 7008 0151 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or 020 7008 1500 (out of hours) and ask for the Global Response Centre.

Visit Gov.uk for details on call charges.

Protect yourself from abuse: Be Home Safe Scheme

The Be Home Safe Scheme, run by Avon and Somerset Police, is a referral service which helps victims of victims of domestic abuse to improve home security. Find out about the sort of help you can get. 

Contact your nearest police officer (or PCSO) for a referral.