Domestic Abuse

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Letting sexism slide puts women and girls at risk. Sexist jokes, catcalling, staring, and comments might seem harmless, but they are serious because they can lead to violence and abuse.

This White Ribbon Day, we want more men to use their voices and speak up to create a world where everyone is safe, equal and respected.

Every time we ignore something that doesn’t feel right, we miss a chance to set a better example.

⚠️If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call the police on 999. 

Otherwise, to access specialist domestic abuse support call Victim Support on 0808 168 9111 or visit the website to access their live chat.

The Domestic Abuse Support Services in Kent and Medway website, provides advice and information on services available for victims, friends & family, and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse.

How Kent Libraries Can Help

How libraries can help with domestic abuse

Domestic Abuse Referral Pathway for Kent and Medway

The Kent Domestic Abuse Referral Pathway provides guidance on how to help people affected by domestic abuse. It explains what domestic abuse is and offers tools to assess the risk and find the right support services

• Find out about the referral pathway 

Kent County Council 

• Domestic abuse - Kent County Council 

Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS)

IDAS runs a national 24 hours domestic violence helpline. You can call if you're experiencing abuse, worried about your relationship, or concerned about someone else. Professionals can also use the helpline for referrals and questions. Calls are free and confidential.

• National 24 hours domestic violence helpline: 0808 2000 247
• Men's advice line: 0808 801 0327
• Rape crisis: 0808 801 0327
• Visit their website 
• Guidance on browsing safely on the web

UK SAYS NO MORE

UK SAYS NO MORE is a campaign to stop domestic violence and sexual violence in the UK.

They are working with Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug, Well pharmacies, TSB banks, and other pharmacies to provide safe spaces for people experiencing domestic abuse.

To use a safe space, go to any participating pharmacy in the UK. Ask at the healthcare counter to use their safe space. A pharmacist will take you to a private room where you can find information and support for domestic abuse. These Safe Spaces are available for you to use anytime.

• Safe space locations
• Online safe spaces

Travel to Refuge 

Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. 

How it works:

• A survivor reaches out for support from a domestic abuse service which is a member of Women’s Aid Federation of England, Imkaan, Scottish Women’s Aid, Welsh Women’s Aid or Respect Men’s Advice Line.
• If appropriate, the survivor will be referred to a refuge and will be informed once a refuge vacancy has been confirmed.
• The refuge books a free train or coach ticket for the survivor.
• The refuge can send the ticket and collection details to the survivor via a mobile phone. The survivor can then either use an e-ticket or text sent to their mobile phone, pick the ticket up from the station using any debit or credit card or the refuge can request the ticket via post and provide to the survivor in person. They can travel like normal, without having to declare the ticket was free or that they are fleeing from domestic abuse. 

Visit Woman's Aid website for more information about Travel to Refuge