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Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence.
Those experiencing domestic abuse and violence can be reassured that help is still accessible and this webpage is regularly updated to reflect available support.
Alongside partners, the council is working to ensure those who experience domestic abuse know help is still available and they need not suffer in silence.
Our Policy sets out our commitment to taking appropriate action when dealing with residents reporting domestic abuse.
How to get help
If you know someone who is the victim of domestic or sexual abuse, we encourage you to seek help. The police will always respond to emergency calls and has specialist officers working 24/7 - if you are in immediate danger, always call 999. Police 101 is the non-emergency number.
Silent Solution calls to the police
The Silent Solution is a police system used to filter out large numbers of accidental or hoax 999 calls. It also exists to help people who are unable to speak, but who genuinely need police assistance.
When you call 999 from a landline, all calls are directed to call centres and will be answered by BT operators. They will ask which service you need. If no service is requested but anything suspicious is heard throughout the process, you will be connected to a police call handler.
If you call 999 from a mobile and making a sound would put you or someone else in danger, your call will be transferred to the Silent Solution system and you will be asked to press 55.
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If you don't want to report it to the police, you can get support from Domestic abuse services.
Local domestic abuse services
Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS) offers free, confidential, and non-judgemental support to those impacted by domestic abuse.
NIDAS is for those assessed to be at high or medium risk of harm. NIDAS also offers dedicated support for Children and Young People, recovery programmes, coordinated multi-agency support, court support, a Domestic Abuse Champion network, and training for professionals, across Norfolk.
Alongside the IDVA’s (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) based across the county, NIDAS also offers a range of specialist support IDVA’s including support for men, LGBTQ+, Older People, Diverse Communities, Disabilities, Substance Misuse, dedicated Hospital IDVA’s and those who may have unmet needs.
The service is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Monday to Friday 9.00 am-6.30 pm, weekends and Bank Holidays 9.00 am – 3pm.
For more information on how NIDAS can help you, or someone you know, visit www.nidasnorfolk.co.uk
Alternatively, you can contact NIDAS in the following ways:
- Call: 0300 561 0555
- Text: 07860 063 464
- Out of hours: 0808 2000 247
- Email: referrals@nidasnorfolk.co.uk
Those who are assessed to be at standard risk of harm can still receive support services from Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care, more information at nsvictimcare.org.
Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care: 0300 303 3706
email: nsvictimcare@victimsupport.org.uk
Website: www.nsvictimcare.org/contact-us/
If you have experienced sexual abuse you can contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, The Harbour Centre. They can offer you medical and emotional support.
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Mobile support and information available through Bright Sky app by Hestia
Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app, launched by Hestia in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
The app can be used by specialist, non-specialist practitioners, other employers, and for anyone looking for information about issues around domestic abuse such as online safety, stalking and harassment and sexual consent. Find out more about the app.
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Other specialist support
Sue Lambert Trust:
Support for those who have ever experienced sexual abuse including domestic abuse.
Tehephone:01603 622406
email: info@suelamberttrust.org
Website: www.suelamberttrust.org/
SARC – Sexual Assault Referral Centre – The Harbour Centre:
Telephone: 01603 276381 (24/7)
email: contact@theharbourcentre.co.uk
Website: www.theharbourcentre.co.uk/
Brave Futures
Norfolk-wide support service for those affected by child sexual abuse.
Tehephone: 01473 353355
Email: admin@bravefutures.org
Survivors in Transition
For men and women who have experienced abuse in childhood (18+)
Telephone: 07765 052282 / 01473 232499
Website: https://survivorsintransition.co.uk
The Deaf Health Charity Signhealth
Telephone: 020 3947 2600
email: info@signhealth.org.uk
Website: www.signhealth.org.uk
Suicide prevention and awareness.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust's website provides information, support and guidance on where to turn to if you feel you need help. That can mean as an individual or as friends or families of someone who may be suicidal.
Website: Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation trust website
Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA)
AAFDA draw on their personal and professional experience of major criminal justice processes like Domestic Homicide Reviews, and other related inquiries and provides emotional, practical and specialist peer support to those left behind after fatal domestic homicide.
Website: Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse
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Other useful local services
Norfolk Community Law Service:
telephone: 01603 496623 / 07900 153753 (Clients can contact for appointments)
email: info@ncls.co.uk
Website: www.ncls.co.uk/
Providing free, independent and confidential legal advice for people in Norfolk, particularly targeted at disadvantaged and vulnerable groups such as offenders, migrant workers, people with mental health issues, and those on low incomes. Specialist solicitors are available to advise on legal protection from domestic abuse.
Norfolk and Suffolk Wellbeing Service
Telephone: 0300 123 1503 – Lines open 9am-5pm
Website: https://www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/norfolk/ access support through your GP or any other health or social care professional, or you can self-refer using the form.
The Magdalene Group;
For women and young people affected by sexual violence, exploitation and coercion.
Telephone:(01603) 610256
Email: support@magdalenegroup.org
National domestic abuse helplines
Women’s Aid – 24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 or www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us.
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk/
Refuge – National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or contact the helpline via Refuge’s contact form at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
Website: www.refuge.org.uk/
GALOP (LBGT+ Anti-violence charity): Helpline 0800 999 5428
Website: www.galop.org.uk/
Mankind Initiative (Male Victims): Helpline 01823 334244
Website: www.mankind.org.uk/
Men’s Advice Line (Male Victims): Helpline 0808 801 0327
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk/
Respect (working with abusers to change their behaviour and male victims of domestic abuse): 020 3559 6650
Website: respect.uk.net/
Hourglass Help for victims of elder abuse
Website: www.wearehourglass.org
HM Prison and Probation Service Victims Helpline
This helpline enables victims to report and prevent any unwanted contact from their abusers in prison.
Telephone: 0300 060 6699 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Email: victim.helpline@justice.gov.uk
National Stalking Advocacy Service
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
Website: www.suzylamplugh.org
Website: www.paladinservice.co.uk
Rape Crisis
24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line. Free, specialist and confidential support for those who have experienced sexual violence or abuse.
Website: www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 500 2222
Refuge
National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or contact the helpline via Refuge’s contact form at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
Southall Black Sisters
Offer services specifically for black and ethnic minority women who are victims of violence.
Website: Home - Southall Black Sisters
The Home Office has published guidance on GOV.UK signposting support to victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse (the information is available in multilanguages).
Economic Abuse
The charity Surviving Economic Abuse has produced guidance on economic abuse while self-isolating, as well as practical issues including benefits and sick pay. The guidance is updated regularly as the situation changes.
