Domestic abuse support
If you are being abused, then you should report it to police by calling 101. If you are in immediate danger, then call 999.
If you are in danger and can’t talk then listen to questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing and tapping on the handset.
If you call from a mobile and are in danger and cannot speak, then dial 55 when prompted.
Upcoming Cut it Out training sessions
Alongside other councils in the county, we have part-funded a series of free domestic abuse training sessions delivered by Martin Lakeman and the South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership.
The sessions are available to anyone wanting to learn more about the dynamics of abuse, how to spot the signs, how to have that difficult conversation and where to signpost to lifesaving services.
Sessions are being held in Malvern, Pershore, and Worcester until February 2026.
Find out more information on how to book the Cut it Out sessions.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse takes many forms and can happen to anyone and at anytime.
Across our district we have also seen a rise in incidents and people seeking help during the pandemic.
It is not always obvious someone is being abused. People may try to hide what is happening to them or be in denial.
Domestic abuse is not always physical. It can also include:
- Coercive control and ‘gaslighting’. View gaslighting definition.
- Economic abuse
- Online abuse
- Threats and intimidation
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
Look for the signs of domestic abuse
These are just some of the signs someone may be being abused:
- Being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends
- Having bruises, burns or bite marks
- Having finances controlled, or not being given enough money to buy food or pay bills
- Not being allowed to leave the house, or being stopped from going to college or work
- Having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails, or letters
- Being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
- Being pressured into sex
- Being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting
Learn more signs to look for on the Government's website.
Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance
We are committed to helping victims of domestic abuse and raising awareness of the signs and the help available.
That’s why we are applying for Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accreditation, which sets the gold standard for how housing providers should support people experiencing domestic abuse.
What to do if you need help
If you believe that you, or someone you know, may be a victim of domestic abuse then it is important you know that help is available.
Here are some organisations you can contact:
View National Domestic Abuse Helpline website. Free confidential support, 24 hours a day, for victims and those who are worried about friends/loved ones. Call on 0808 2000 247.
View West Mercia Women’s Aid website: Free 24-hour helpline for support, advice and information on your options 0800 980 3331.
Worcestershire Male Domestic Abuse helpline. Available to all Men experiencing or witnessing Domestic Abuse. Available on 0800 980 331 Tuesday 11am to 3pm or email
Mankind Initiative (opens in new window). A confidential support helpline for me. 01823 334244.
DAWN Project (opens in new window). If you need additional support with housing benefits, support at family court or social care. Email
Victim Support (opens in new window) Can provide emotional and practical help to support you if you have been a victim of domestic abuse. 01905 726896.
West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (opens in new window). Free confidential and non-judgemental support for all survivors of domestic abuse. Email
Karma Nirvana. Advice and support for forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence. 0800 599 247.
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline. Advice and support if you are in an LGBT relationship and experiencing domestic abuse. 0300 999 5428.
Clare’s Law (formally known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) in England)
DVDS is a police-run scheme that lets you, or any member of the public formally request or receive usually confidential information about a romantic partner’s criminal history.
This might be a current partner who you are worried might have been abusive in the past. It can also be an ex-partner you are no longer involved with but believe may be a threat to your safety.
You can make a DVDS application if you believe you are personally at risk of abuse or are concerned on behalf of a close friend or relative.
Under Clare’s Law you have two rights: to ask, and to know
1- The ‘right to ask’ means that you can make a DVDS application to ask about a current or ex-partner that you think might have a record of abusive behaviour or violence. Any information that the police share with you about a partner is called ‘disclosure’.
You can also ask on behalf of a close friend or relative, who you think might be at risk from their current or former partner. However, you may not necessarily receive any disclosure depending on who you are. The police may decide it is more appropriate to share with your loved one directly, or with someone who is more able to protect their safety.
2- The ‘right to know’ means that if police checks show that your current or ex-partner has a history of abusive behaviour, they may proactively share that information with you because they believe you are at future risk.
Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application
Sarah's Law
The Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS) lets you formally ask the police whether someone who has contact with a child or children:
- has a record for child sexual (paedophile) offences
- poses a risk to the child or children for some other reason
It's not a law, but it is sometimes called 'Sarah's Law'. It gives guidance on how you can ask us to use our existing police powers to share information about sex offenders.
If you’re worried about someone’s behaviour towards a child, or something you've seen, heard or been told, you can use Sarah's Law to find out if that person is a risk.
If you are being abused, then you should report it to police by calling 101. If you are in immediate danger, then call 999.
If you are in danger and can’t talk then listen to questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing and tapping on the handset.
If you call from a mobile and are in danger and cannot speak, then dial 55 when prompted.