Domestic and Sexual Abuse (including historic abuse)
Domestic abuse can effect around one in four women and one in six men in their lifetime. It can take a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious, and sexual abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse then you should seek help from any of the following sources:
National Centre for Domestic Violence
0844 8044 999 (24 hour)
0800 902070 (minicom)
Or text NCDV to 60777
Free service for domestic abuse victims, access to family solicitors, help with injunctions, emergency child contact orders and non-molestation orders, direct links with local councils, housing authorities, health centres, refuges and women’s aid centres.
Women’s Aid
0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid are a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated. They offer a 24 hour helpline for victims and run a survivors’ forum.
Rights of Women
0207 251 6577
Rights of Women-free confidential helpline, run by female solicitors and barristers, for women needing legal advice about domestic abuse or any other legal matters, including divorce.
Essex Social Services
0845 603 7634
0845 606 1212 (out of hours)
Offers help, advice and information for domestic abuse victims.
NSPCC
0800 800 5000
Provides help and support for adults concerned about a child.
Childline
0800 1111 (24 hr)
Provides help and support for children and young people.
Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327 (office hours)
info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Safer Places
0845 017 7668 (24hr)
Provides a range of services which respond to the individual needs and circumstances of adults and children affected by domestic abuse.
Refuge: National Domestic Violence helpline
0808 2000 247 (24 hr)
info@refuge.org.uk
Gives practical support to domestic abuse victims and can refer women and their children to refuges across the UK.
Victim Support
0845 456 5995 - Essex helpline (weekdays 8am-8pm, Sat. 9am-5pm)
0845 30 30 900 -national helpline (weekdays 9am-8pm, weekends 9am-7pm, bank holidays 9am-5pm)
Help for any victims of crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police and regardless of when it happened.
Choices (Cambridge)
Supports women and girls who have been sexually abused.
01223 467897
Choices (Cambridge)
Supports men and boys who have been sexually abused.
01223 314438
Rape Crisis Centre (Cambridge)
Offers support to women and girls who have experienced rape, childhood sexual abuse or any other form of sexual violence.
01223 245888
Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (Chelmsford)
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs
01206 769795