# data[].attributes.body
Too many women are still victims of domestic and sexual violence. We must help young people to understand what a healthy relationship is and to re-think their views of controlling behaviour, violence, abuse, sexual abuse and consent. Our new campaign aims to prevent the onset of domestic violence in adults by challenging attitudes and behaviours amongst teenage boys and girls that abuse in relationships is acceptable.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The idea of a black dot on victims' hands, to help tackle domestic violence, has been widely spread on Facebook - but also heavily criticised. Now, its founder defends the idea.

The idea behind the Black Dot campaign is this: victims of domestic violence can draw a black dot on their hand as a silent signal. Once it becomes widely enough understood, people who see the dot on their friends' hands can approach them and have a conversation about abuse.

It's certainly now widely known: the campaign page racked up 40,000 likes, with many of its posts shared even more widely than that, and the founder says Facebook's statistics indicate it's been seen by millions (although the page was later taken down).

But as the Black Dot has garnered media attention, it's also been criticised by people who worry that a specific symbol highlighting domestic violence would draw unwanted attention to victims - and thus risk the wrath of their abusers. Others have pointed out that professionals and support agencies won't have received training on what to do when spotting someone with a black dot on their hand.

"It seems a good idea but with wide coverage then the abusers will know what this thing means," one man wrote on the campaign's Facebook page.

Now, the woman behind the campaign says critics have missed the point. In fact, she never meant for people to post selfies of their hands with a dot.

The founder is a British woman who wishes to remain anonymous because of her history as a domestic abuse victim. She told BBC Trending that although it started on Facebook, the campaign was never about encouraging abuse victims to post pictures of themselves online.

"I imagined it as a tool to start face-to-face conversations between friends, or with professionals," she told BBC Trending. "I was basing it on my experiences and I was thinking, how could I prompt people to talk about domestic violence? A black dot is easy to make, and easy to erase. As a female, you could go to the toilet, draw one on with mascara, and then later wipe it out. Being in the centre of your palm, you could close your palm and hide it from view.

"As a way of seeking help, it's not going to be a solution for everybody. As a victim, you know what triggers your abuser," she says. "So if it's not safe to draw a black dot, don't do it. Just because you're a victim doesn't mean you're stupid - you know yourself what is safe and what is not safe."

The founder says she's been overwhelmed and appreciative of supportive messages that she has received from people around the world, but that instead of drawing black dots in solidarity, the campaign is now encouraging supporters who aren't at immediate risk of abuse to write "Say no to domestic violence" on their hands to avoid confusion.

"When things go viral and worldwide, you kind of lose control. A lot of survivors are putting their dots on their hand, but that's not what the original idea was," she says. Doctors, police and social workers, she hopes, will become more aware of what the black dot means, and there's no "special training" needed - at that point their existing professional training will kick in.

"Human nature means that in a lot of situations, we don't intervene," the founder says. "We're polite, and a lot of victims are in a very lonely and scary place. It makes it very difficult to reach out and talk to people. The point of this campaign is to overcome those barriers."

The founder says she's also received hundreds of messages from people who say they've been helped since the campaign began. Some have used the black dot technique, others have simply heard about the campaign and been prompted to seek help because of it. On the campaign's Facebook page one woman related a story of an encounter with a hospital worker.

"I had to have an examination so the consultant asked me to lie on the bed and drew the curtain. I leant over and took the pen out of his pocket, pulled his hand over to me and wrote HELP ME. I didn't have to say a word. This campaign gave me the strength and the idea how to ask for help," the message said. "I am now safe somewhere else thanks to that consultant and the black dot campaign."

Alice Stride, a spokeswoman for Women's Aid, which along with the charity Refuge runs the UK's National Domestic Violence Helpline, cautioned against universal adoption of the black dot.

"We would remind people of how different perpetrators can behave," Stride says. "In many situations - the perpetrators do monitor victims very closely. If there's any noticeable change, for instance if they forget to wash the dot off their hand, that could lead to further abuse."

Still, she says, the organisation welcomes the black dot campaign, and it might be an effective way for many people to get help. "It's very difficult for women to speak out about their abuse, they're worried they won't be believed," Stride says. "Being able to communicate is the first step, and this campaign provides women another way to do that."

BBC Trending has previously looked at the debate over publicising allegations of domestic violence online and whether social media can really be a useful tool.
Next story: The lives of random strangers are being documented on blogs around the world that imitate the style of Humans of New York, and the trend is now established across the British Isles. You can follow BBC Trending on Twitter @BBCtrending, and find us on Facebook. All our stories are at bbc.com/trending. READ MORE Humans of New York come to the British Isles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Can a black dot on a victim's hand help tackle domestic violence?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The idea of a black dot on victims' hands, to help tackle domestic violence, has been widely spread on Facebook - but also heavily criticised. Now, its founder defends the idea. The idea behind the Black Dot campaign is this: victims of domestic violence can draw a black dot on their hand as a silent signal.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The facts - Refuge Charity - Domestic Violence Help

# data[].attributes.headline
Some stats from House of Commons paper 2016

# data[].attributes.subject
Some stats from House of Commons paper 2016

# data[].attributes.body
• 8.2% of women and 4% of men were estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in 2014/15, equivalent to an estimated 1.3 million female and 600,000 male victims • 27.1% of women and 13.2% of men had experienced any domestic abuse since the age of 16. These figures were equivalent to an estimated 4.5 million female victims of domestic abuse and 2.2 million male victims between the ages of 16 and 59 What legal remedies are there? There are both civil and criminal remedies for victims of domestic violence. Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 came into force in December 2015 and criminalises patterns of coercive or controlling behaviour where they are perpetrated against an intimate partner or family member. A number of other criminal offences can apply to cases of domestic violence - these can range from murder, rape and manslaughter through to assault and threatening behaviour. Civil measures include non-molestation orders, occupation orders and domestic violence protection orders (which can mean that suspected perpetrators have to leave their houses). The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (as amended) provides both civil and criminal remedies. These include non-harassment and restraining orders. A Library briefing paper on the 1997 Act discusses these in more detail.

# data[].attributes.body
- The Department for Education was criticised for failing to support key government efforts to tackle domestic abuse, such as the Home Office's "thisisabuse" campaign, which featured online, on youth television and in cinemas. The report states that the DfE did not distribute material about the campaign and did not warn schools and teachers to be prepared if children came forward to disclose abuse as a result of the campaign. It added that a DfE expert group on violence against women and girls was disbanded in early 2012 and "our experts also did not feel there was sufficient ongoing training on safeguarding for teachers and staff".

- Michael Gove, the education secretary, dropped Labour plans to introduce compulsory sex education lessons in English primary schools last year, and told an education select committee that there was a direct link between children doing well academically and their chances of indulging in "risky behaviour".

- A YouGov poll of more than 2,000 adults, commissioned by the group in conjunction with the report, found 86% of UK adults questioned believed sex and relationships education "which addresses sexual consent and respectful relationships" should be compulsory in secondary schools. A third of respondents believed their school should be doing more to prevent abuse, while 44% did not know. Of the third who thought schools should do more, 87% said teachers should be trained in spotting signs of abuse; 76% said schools should proactively tackle "sexual bullying" such as groping and sexual name-calling and 65% agreed that schools should have a clear policy prohibiting pornography in school including via phones and online.

- According to the Sex Education Forum, current government policy states that it is compulsory to teach the biological aspect of sex education but sex and relationships education (SRE) is "currently not compulsory but is contained within non-statutory PSHE [personal, social, health and economic] education within the national curriculum and is strongly recommended within government SRE guidance." Government guidelines state: "Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of any sex education provided, but not from teaching the biological aspects of human growth and reproduction necessary under national curriculum science."

Dustin said: "We are confused as to why the Department for Education are saying that sex and relationships education is already compulsory when ministers have said repeatedly that they will not make it so. There is no law requiring schools to address issues such as sexual consent or healthy and respectful relationships, nor indeed to discuss the harmful messages that pornography sends."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs)

Many specialist support agencies offer an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service to victims/survivors of rape and sexual assault. The Independent Sexual Violence Adviser role was commissioned by Baroness Stern through the Home Office Violent Crime Unit in 2005.

An ISVA is trained to look after your needs, and to ensure that you receive care and understanding. They will help you understand how the criminal justice process works, and will explain things to you, such as what will happen if you report to the police, and the importance and process of forensic DNA retrieval.

An ISVA is there to provide you with information only so that you can make the right decision for you. By contacting them, you are not expected to report any offence to the police.

ISVAs & ADVOCACY WORKERS in England

Area: BEDFORDSHIRE

***

Area: BERKSHIRE

Area: BRISTOL

Contact Name: Debbie Naylor, ISVA, based at Next Link, Bristol
Contact Name: Helen Whittle, ISVA, based at Next Link, Bristol
Telephone: 0117 925 0680
Email:
Area covered: The whole of the Avon & Somerset Constabulary Area
Website: www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk

Area: BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Area: CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Contact Name: ISVA at The Elms (SARC)
Telephone: 01480 425003
Email: Client Group: Clients of all ages including children
Area covered: Cambridgeshire
Website:www.theelmssarc.org

Area: CHESHIRE

Contact Name: Holli Waterson ISVA Lead based at Cheshire & Merseyside RASASC
Telephone: 0330 363 0063Email: Client Group: Male and females, all ages
Area Covered: RuncornWebsite: www.cheshiresarc.org.uk / www.rapecentre.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Polly Hancock, ISVA based at Cheshire & Merseyside RASASC
Telephone: 0330 363 0063Email: Client Group: Male and females, all ages
Area Covered: WarringtonWebsite: www.cheshiresarc.org.uk / www.rapecentre.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Lisa Punton , ISVA based at Cheshire & Merseyside RASASC
Telephone: 0330 363 0063Email: Area Covered: Cheshire EastClient Group: Male and females, all agesWebsite: www.cheshiresarc.org.uk / www.rapecentre.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Carolyn Glancy, ISVA based at Cheshire & Merseyside RASASC
Telephone: 0330 363 0063Email: Area Covered: Chester & Ellesmere PortClient Group: Male and females, all agesWebsite: www.cheshiresarc.org.uk / www.rapecentre.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Catherine Blellock, ISVA based at Cheshire & Merseyside RASASC
Telephone: 0330 363 0063Email: Area Covered: Northwich & WarringtonClient Group: Male and females, all agesWebsite: www.cheshiresarc.org.uk / www.rapecentre.org.uk

Area: CHESHIRE & MERSEYSIDE

***

***

Area: CLEVELAND

Contact Name: Helen Danks, ISVA based at Foundation, Redcar
Telephone: 0300 456 2214
Email:
Client Group: Women and girls over 12 years who have experienced sexual violence either recently or non-recently
Area Covered: Redcar, Cleveland
Website:www.foundationuk.org

Area: CORNWALL

Contact Name: ISVA based at Women's Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Bodmin
Helpline Number: 01208 77099
Admin Telephone: 01208 76466
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: WRSAC works only with women
Area Covered: Mid and East Cornwall
Website: www.wrsac.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Three Adult ISVA's, One Non Police Referral ISVA's and Three children and Young persons ISVA's based at First Light
Telephone: 01872 272059
Email:
Area Covered: Cornwall
Client Group: Males and Females all agesWebsite: www.firstlight.org.uk

Area: CUMBRIA

Contact Name: Susanna Phillips, ISVA based at Carlisle Victim Support
Telephone: 01228 558312
Mobile: 07432 593623
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Cumbria
Client Group: Female and male survivors aged 16+

***

Contact Name: Rebecca Todd, ISVA based at West Cumbria Rape Crisis
Helpline: 01900 829729
Office: 01900 826601Email: [email protected] Area CoveredClient Group: Female and male survivors aged 12+
Website: www.westcumbriarapecrisis.co.uk

Area: DERBYSHIRE

***

Contact Name: Joanne Millward, Independent Sexual Violence Adviser based at Safe and Sound, Derby
Telephone: 01332 362120
Website: safeandsoundgroup.org.uk
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Joanne works with female or male children and young people in the Derby city area and Derbyshire

Area: DEVON

***

***

Area: DORSET

Area: ESSEX

Contact Name: Rebekah Brant, ISVA based at SERICC
Telephone: 01375 380609
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.sericc.org.uk
Area Covered: Thurrock, Basildon, Brentwood, Billericay, Wickford

***

Contact Name: Sonia Watts, ISVA based at Victim Support Ingatestone
Telephone: 01277 357563 or 07722 464875
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Client Group: Male and female victims of rape and sexual assault, aged 13 years and over
Area Covered

***

Contact Name: Charlotte Harris, ISVA based at Victim Support Essex
Telephone: 01277 357563
Mobile: 07722 464 874
Email:[email protected] Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Client Group: Male and female victims of rape and sexual assault, aged 13 years and over
Area Covered

***

Contact Name: Cara Newbury, Young Persons ISVA based at Victim Support Essex
Telephone: 01277 357563Mobile: 07507 847706
Email:[email protected] Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Client Group: Male and female victims of rape and sexual assault, aged 13 to 17 years old
Area Covered:

Area: GLOUCESTERSHIRE

***

***

***

***

***

Area: Greater MANCHESTER

***

***

***

***

***

Area: HAMPSHIRE

Contact Name: Eve Barrett ISVA/ISVA Coordinator at BRASACC, Basingstoke
Telephone: 07494 510026
Email:
Referrals:
Client Group: Male & Female aged 16+
Area Covered: North Hampshire

***

Contact Name: Anna Hilton ISVA at BRASACC, Basingstoke
Telephone: 07376 380164
Email:
Referrals: [email protected]
Client Group: Male & Female aged 18+
Area Covered: North Hampshire

Area: HAMPSHIRE - Portsmouth

Contact Name: Sue Ward, ISVA based at the Early Intervention Project, Portsmouth
Telephone number: 02392 370166
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Male or female vi ctims aged 16+ of recent or non-recent sexual assault or rape
Area Covered: Central Portsmouth
Website: www.saferportsmouth.org.uk/priorities/.../early-intervention-project

***

Contact Name: Kim Nisbet, Young Persons Worker and ISVA based at the Treetops Centre, Portsmouth
Telephone: 02392 210352
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Aged 13-18 years (up to 24 if vulnerable)
Area Covered: Hampshire (including Portsmouth) & the Isle of Wight
Website: www.treetopscentre.co.uk

***

Area: HAMPSHIRE - Southampton

Contact Name: Diane Bailey, ISVA based at Yellow Door (formally Southampton Rape Crisis Centre)
Telephone: 023 80 636312
Email:[email protected] Client Group: Males and females from the age of 11+
Area Covered: Southampton, Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley (South)
Postcodes Covered: SO14-SO17; SO18 in part; SO19SO30; SO31&SO32 in part; SO40-SO43; SO45; SO50; SO52 in part;SO53; BH23 in part; BH24 & BH25; SP6 (1,2,3)

***

Contact Name: Heather Barrow, ISVA based at Yellow Door (formally Southampton Rape Crisis Centre)
Telephone: 023 80 636312
Email:[email protected] Client Group: Males and females from the age of 11+
Area Covered: Southampton, Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley (South)
Postcodes Covered: SO14-SO17; SO18 in part; SO19SO30; SO31&SO32 in part; SO40-SO43; SO45; SO50; SO52 in part;SO53; BH23 in part; BH24 & BH25; SP6 (1,2,3)

***

Contact Name: Jess Eason, ISVA based at Yellow Door (formally Southampton Rape Crisis Centre)
Telephone: 023 80 636312
Email:[email protected] Client Group: Males and females from the age of 11+
Area Covered: Southampton, Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley (South)
Postcodes Covered: SO14-SO17; SO18 in part; SO19SO30; SO31&SO32 in part; SO40-SO43; SO45; SO50; SO52 in part;SO53; BH23 in part; BH24 & BH25; SP6 (1,2,3)

***

Contact Name: Mary-Ann Byrne, ISVA based at Yellow Door (formally Southampton Rape Crisis Centre)
Telephone: 023 80 636312
Email:[email protected] Client Group: Males and females from the age of 11+
Area Covered: Southampton, Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley (South)
Postcodes Covered: SO14-SO17; SO18 in part; SO19SO30; SO31&SO32 in part; SO40-SO43; SO45; SO50; SO52 in part;SO53; BH23 in part; BH24 & BH25; SP6 (1,2,3)

***

Contact Name: Nikki Tutt, ISVA based at Yellow Door (formally Southampton Rape Crisis Centre)
Telephone: 023 80 636312
Email:[email protected] Client Group: Males and females from the age of 11+
Area Covered: Southampton, Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley (South)
Postcodes Covered: SO14-SO17; SO18 in part; SO19SO30; SO31&SO32 in part; SO40-SO43; SO45; SO50; SO52 in part;SO53; BH23 in part; BH24 & BH25; SP6 (1,2,3)

Area: HERTFORDSHIRE

Contact Name: Sian Scarborough, ISVA based at Hemel Hempstead Sunflower
Telephone: 01442 270679
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Male and female survivors aged 16 years+
Area Covered: Dacorum, Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere, Welwyn & Hatfield and St Albans areas of Hertfordshire
Website: www.hertssunflower.org.uk

Area: ISLE OF WIGHT

Contact Name: Jane Brading, ISVA based at Hampton Trust
Telephone: 07930932249
Client Group: Male and female survivors aged over 18 years old
Area Covered: Isle of Wight
Website: www.hamptontrust.org.uk

Area: KENT (North West) & MEDWAY

Website: Family Matters ISVA Service
Telephone: 01474 536661
Email: Client Group: Survivors of all ages www.familymattersuk.org/isva

***

Area: LANCASHIRE

Contact Name: Rachel Anderson, Adult ISVA based at Horizon at Drugline Lancashire
Telephone: 01253 311431 / 07811 190431
Email: Client Group: Individuals over 16 affected by rape or sexual violence
Area Covered: Blackpool and Fylde
Website: www.druglinelancs.co.uk

***

***

Contact Name: Hollie Rigby, Children and Young Person's ISVA (CISVA) based at Renaissance, at Drugline Lancashire
Telephone: 01253 311431/ 07790051224
Email: Client Group: 11-16 year olds who have experienced/been affected by sexual violence
Area Covered: Website:www.druglinelancs.co.uk

***

Contact Name: Julie Vigo-Saunders, ISVA based in The Safeguarding Team, at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 01253 951080
Email: Client Group: 16+ who have experienced recent and non-recent sexual violence
Area Covered: Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre
Website: www.bfwh.nhs.uk

Area: LEICESTERSHIRE

Contact Name: Mandy Coupland, ISVA based at Women's Aid Leicestershire
Telephone: 0116 242 6440 or 0116 244 1485
Work Mobile: 07866 816 458
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Female and male survivors aged 16+

***

***

Contact Name: Satinder Kaur, Children and Young Persons ISVA based at Free from Violence and Abuse (FreeVA)
Telephone: 0300 333 6533
Email: [email protected] Client Group: Male and Female survivors aged 13-18 years old
Area Covered: Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Website: www.freeva.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Nicki Dhillon, ISVA based at Free from Violence and Abuse (FreeVA)
Telephone: 0116 255 0003
Email: [email protected] Client Group: Male and Female survivors
Area Covered: Leicester City
Website: www.freeva.org.uk

Area: LINCOLNSHIRE (North East)

Contact Name: Kirsty Hodges, ISVA based at Grimsby and Scunthorpe Rape Crisis Limited
Telephone: 01724 841947
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.itsmyright.co.uk
Client Group: Female and male survivors over the age of 18

Area: LINCOLNSHIRE (North West)

Contact Name: Julia Wilson, ISVA based at Grimsby and Scunthorpe Rape Crisis Limited
Telephone: 01724 841947
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.itsmyright.co.uk
Client Group: Female and male survivors over the age of 18

Area: LONDON - Central

***

***

***

***

***

Contact Name: Annie Rose, Independent Sexual Violence Advisor based at Respond
Telephone: 020 7380 8257
Area covered: Inner London
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: People with learning disabilities
Website: www.respond.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Lynne Tooze, ISVA based at RespondTelephone: 02073808357/ 07732416953
Email: Area covered: All London boroughs
Client Group: Young people with a learning disability (11+)
Website:

Area: LONDON (South)

***

Contact Name: Linda Popely, ISVA based at Victim Support, South London SE1
Telephone: 0207 277 1433
Email:[email protected]

Area: MERSEYSIDE

Contact Name: Jeanette Sephton, ISVA based at Cheshire & Merseyside RASASC
Telephone: 01512 187 860
Email: [email protected]
Area covered: Merseyside and Knowsley (including Huyton, Halewood, Kirkby, Whiston and Prescot)
Client Group: Male and females over 13 years and family members
Website:

***

Contact Name: Vicky Green, ISVA based at RASA Merseyside Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre
Telephone: 0151 6500155 or 07501490253
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Female and male survivors
Website: www.rasamerseyside.org

***

Contact Name: Lorraine Wood, ISVA based at RASA Merseyside Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre
Telephone: 07760 764421
Email:[email protected]
Areas Covered: Sefton
Client Group: Female & Male survivors
Website:

***

***

Area: NORFOLK

***

Area: NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Contact Name: Kay Diment, ISVA at Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Northampton
Telephone: 01604 745005
Helpline: 01604 601713
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Females and males from 15 years upwards, and non offending parents/guardians
Area Covered: Northamptonshire

***

Contact Name: Gillian O'Leary, ISVA at Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Northampton
Telephone: 01604 745005
Helpline: 01604 601713
Email: gillian.o'[email protected]
Client Group: Females and males from 15 years upwards
Area Covered: Northamptonshire

***

Contact Name: Camilla Perkins, Children and Young Persons ISVA at Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Northampton
Telephone: 01604 745005
Helpline: 01604 601713
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Females and males from 8-18 years and non offending carers for children 0-8 years
Area Covered: Northamptonshire

Area: NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Contact Name: ISVA service based at the Topaz Centre (Nottingham Sexual Assault Referral Centre)
Telephone: 08456 001588
Email:[email protected]
Area covered: Nottinghamshire

Area: SHROPSHIRE AND TELFORD

Contact Name: ISVA based at Axis Counselling, Shrewsbury
Telephone: 01743 243007
Email:[email protected]
Area covered: Shropshire
Client Group:Women, men and children aged from 11 years who have experienced sexual violence/abuse either recently or in the past
Website: www.axiscounselling.org.uk

***

Contact Name: ISVA based at Axis Counselling, Telford
Telephone: 01952 586790
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Telford and Wrekin
Client Group: Women, men and young people aged 11 upwards who have experienced sexual violence/abuse either recently or in the past
Website: www.axiscounselling.org.uk

Area: STAFFORDSHIRE

***

***

***

***

Area: SUFFOLK

***

***

Area: SURREY

***

***

***

***

Contact Name: Client Group: Harriet Marchant, based at Rape Crisis Surrey and Sussex (RCSAS), Crawley
Telephone: 01293 538477
Email: Area covered: East Surrey (Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, Tandridge), West Sussex (Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex), East Sussex (Wealden)
Women and girls aged 14 and older

Area: SUSSEX

***

***

***

***

***

***

Contact Name: Client Group: Harriet Marchant, based at Rape Crisis Surrey & Sussex (RCSAS), Crawley
Telephone: 01293 538477
Email: Area covered: East Surrey (Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, Tandridge), West Sussex (Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex), East Sussex (Wealden)
Women and girls aged 14 and older

Area: TEESIDE - Middlesborough

Contact Name: Jacki Fieldhouse, ISVA based at Arch North East
Telephone: 01642 822335
Email: Area Covered: Teeside (Middlesborough, Stockton, Hartlepool male & female clients - Redcar & East Cleveland male clients only)
Client Group: Female and male survivors from 14 years upwards
Website: www.archnortheast.org

***

***

Contact Name: Cheryl Nunn, ISVA based at Helen Britton House, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Middlesbrough
Telephone: 01642 516888
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Teesside
Client Group: Males and females from 13 years old
Website: www.helenbrittonhouse.co.uk
Any specialist areas of work: Adult victims who are or have been perpetrators

Area: TEESIDE - South

Contact Name: Gina Sullivan, ISVA based at Eva Womens Aid
Telephone: 01642 490677
Mobile: 07967577927
Email: Area Covered: Redcar & Cleveland

***

Area: TYNE & WEAR

***

Contact Name: Vera Lee, ISVA based at Victim Support, Newcastle
Telephone: 0191 2813791 x 214/ 01912 954 958
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Newcastle upon Tyne
Client Group: Any survivor aged 14 years and above in the Newcastle area

***

Contact Name: Fiona Thompson, ISVA based at Reach Centre, Newcastle
Telephone: 0191 2219222/07771977481
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland
Client Group: Survivors of any ages

***

Contact Name: Lynne Lucy, ISVA based at Reach Centre, Newcastle
Telephone: 0191 2219222
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland
Client Group: Survivors of any ages

Area: WILTSHIRE

Contact Name: Jan Ryan, New Swindon Sanctuary SARC, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Telephone: 01793 507956
Mobile: 07771 552 131
Email: Area Covered: The whole of Wiltshire which includes Swindon
Client Group: All client groups and children from 13 years upwards.
Website: www.newswindonsanctuary.co.uk

Area: WARWICKSHIRE

Contact Name: Tina Boutrus, Lead ISVA based at Safeline, Warwick
Telephone: 01926 357281
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Warwickshire
Client Group: Adults, children and young people, recent and non-recent
General office enquiries: 01926 402498
Website: www.safeline.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Beth Candler, ISVA based at Safeline, Warwick
Telephone: 01926 358291
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Warwickshire
Client Group: Adults, children and young people, recent and non-recent
General office enquiries: 01926 402498
Website: www.safeline.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Simone Newman Lead ISVA at RoSA (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Services) Rugby
Telephone: 01788 551150
Email: [email protected]
Area Covered: Warwickshire for all client groups; Coventry for male survivors
Client Group: Female and male survivors from 5 years upwards
Website:www.rosasupport.org

Area: WEST MIDLANDS - BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL

Contact Name: Yvonne Langham, Head of ISVA Services based at RSVP, Birmingham
Telephone: 0121 643 0301 option 2
Mobile: 07534 480173
Email: Area Covered: Birmingham and Solihull
Client Group: Females and males from aged 18 years upwards
Website: www.rsvporg.co.uk

***

Contact Name: Natalie Harris, ISVA based at RSVP, BirminghamTelephone: 0121 643 0301 option 2
Mobile: 07535 178349Email: [email protected] Area Covered: Birmingham and SolihullClient Group: Females and males from aged 18 years upwardsWebsite: www.rsvporg.co.uk

***

***

Contact Name: Fiona Perkin, ISVA based at RSVP, BirminghamTelephone: 0121 643 0301 option 2
Mobile: 07535 176772Email: [email protected] Area Covered: Birmingham and SolihullClient Group: Females and males from aged 18 years upwardsWebsite: www.rsvporg.co.uk

***

Contact Name: Carleen Robinson, ISVA based at RSVP, Birmingham
Telephone: 0121 643 0301 (option 2)
Email: [email protected]
Area Covered: Birmingham and Solihull
Client Group: Females and males from aged ​18 years upwardsWebsite: www.rsvporg.co.uk

***

Contact Name: Lisa Holden Young Person's ISVA based at RSVP, Birmingham
Telephone: 0121 643 0301 option 2
Mobile: 07535 178012Email: [email protected] Area Covered: Birmingham and Solihull
Client Group: Female and males from aged 18 to 25 years
Website: www.rsvporg.co.uk

***

***

***

Contact Name: Margaretta Vauls Children's ISVA based at RSVP, Birmingham
Telephone: 0121 643 0301 option 2Email: [email protected] Area Covered: Birmingham and Solihull
Client Group: Child survivors (girls and boys) from aged 5 years upwards and their families too
Website: www.rsvporg.co.uk

***

***

Area: WEST MIDLANDS - COVENTRY

***

***

***

***

***

AREA: WEST MIDLANDS - SANDWELL & DUDLEY

Contact Name: Michelle Haywood, ISVA based at Sandwell Womens Aid
Telephone: 07790 893933
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered:

***

Contact Name: Sarah Dannatt, ISVA based at Sandwell Womens Aid
Telephone: 07852 361344
Mobile: 07790893935
Email:[email protected]
Area covered: Sandwell

***

Contact Name: Ailish Gallagher, ISVA based at Sandwell Womens Aid
Telephone: 07852 361344
Mobile: 07971934345
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Wolverhampton

Area: WEST MIDLANDS - Walsall

Contact Name: Laura Pearce, ISVA based at Crisis Point, Walsall
Telephone: 01922 476153 Ext 6014
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Walsall, Wolverhampton and part of Staffordshire
Client Group: Women, men and children from the age of 5
Website: www.crisispoint.org.uk

***

Contact Name: Margaret Cresswell, ISVA based at Crisis Point, Walsall
Telephone: 01922 476153 Ext 6014
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Walsall, Wolverhampton and part of Staffordshire
Client Group: Women, men and children from the age of 5
Website: www.crisispoint.org.uk

Area: WORCESTERSHIRE

Contact Name: ISVA service based at WMRSASC
Telephone: 01905 611655
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Website: www.wmrsasc.org.uk
Client Group: Women, Men and children over the age of 11 who have experienced recent or non-recent rape or any type of sexual violence.

***

Contact Name: ISVA service based at WMRSASC
Telephone: 01905 611655
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Telford
Website: www.wmrsasc.org.uk
Client Group: Women over the age of 16 who have experienced recent or non-recent rape or any type of sexual violence.

***

Contact Name: ISVA service based at WMRSASC
Telephone: 01905 611655
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Telford
Website: www.wmrsasc.org.uk
Client Group: Women over the age of 16 who have experienced recent or non-recent rape or any type of sexual violence.

Area: YORKSHIRE (North) - REDCAR & CLEVELAND

Contact Name: Gina Sullivan, ISVA based at Eva Womens Aid
Telephone: 01642 490677
Mobile: 07967577927
Email: Area Covered: Redcar & Cleveland

***

Area: YORKSHIRE (West) - BRADFORD

Contact Name: Sandy, ISVA based at Bradford Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Survivors Service
Telephone: 01274 308270
Email:[email protected]

***

Contact Name: Jo Sharp, ISVA based at Bradford Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Survivors Service
Telephone: 01274 723896
Email:[email protected]

Area: YORKSHIRE (West) - KIRKLEES

Contact Name: Bernadette McCaffery, ISVA based at Kirklees Survivors Counselling Project
Telephone: 01484 540730
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.krasacc.co.uk

***

Area: YORKSHIRE (South) - BARNSLEY

Contact Name: Ruth O'Leary, ISVA at BSARCS (Barnsley Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Services)
Telephone: 01226 320140
Email: Area covered: Barnsley
Client Group: Male and female survivors over 18 years old
Website: www.bsarcs.org.uk

Area: YORKSHIRE (South) - Doncaster

***

***

Area: YORKSHIRE (South) - Rotherham

Contact Name: Tina Pearson, ISVA based at Main Street Police Station, Rotherham Mobile: 07887 475843
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Rotherham
Client Group: Females, males and children

***

Contact Name: Becky Skelland, ISVA based at Main Street Police Station, Rotherham
Mobile: 07887 475852
Email:[email protected] Client Group: Females, males and children

Area: YORKSHIRE (South) - Sheffield

Contact Name: Natalie Duffy, ISVA based at SRASACS (Sheffield Rape Crisis)Telephone: 0808 802 0013
Email: Website: sheffieldrapecrisis.org.uk/isva
Area Covered: Sheffield

Area: YORKSHIRE (West) - Leeds

Contact Name: Joan Coulton, Outreach Worker and ISVA based at Genesis, Leeds
Telephone: 07710 304 306
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Client Group: Sex working women over 18
Any specialist areas of work: Women who are, or have been, involved in sex work
Website: genesisleeds.org

***

***

ISVAs & Advocacy Workers in Wales

Area: CARMARTHEN, West Wales

***

***

Area: MERTHYR TYDFIL, South Wales

***

***

***

Area: SWANSEA, South West Wales

Contact Name: Sarah, ISVA at New Pathways Swansea SARC
Telephone: 01792 206885
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot area
Website: www.newpathways.co.uk
Client Group: Adult female and male survivors of rape or sexual abuse

***

***

Contact Name: Lisa Richards, ISVA at New Pathways Swansea SARC

Telephone: 01685 379310
Email:[email protected]
Area Covered: Carmarthen
Client Group: Female and male survivors
Website: www.newpathways.co.uk

Area: RISCA, South Wales

***

Contact Name: Tracey, ISVA at New Pathways Risca SARC
Telephone: 01495 233971/2
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Female & Male survivors of rape or sexual abuse
Website: www.newpathways.co.uk

***

Contact Name: Pam, ISVA at New Pathways Risca SARC
Telephone: 01495 233971/2
Email:[email protected]
Client Group: Children
Website: www.newpathways.co.uk
Area: TORFAEN, South Wales
Contact Name: Sally Howells, ISVA at Torfaen Women's Aid
Telephone: 01495 742052
Mobile: 07970638710
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Client Group: Female survivors from 13 years old
Website: www.torfaenwomensaid.org
Area: CARDIFF, South Wales
Area: North WALES

Contact Name: Vicky Clough, Independent Sexual Violence Advisor at the Amethyst SARC, North Wales
Telephone: 07824538505 / Office 01492 805384
Area covered: Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham Borough
Website: www.rasawales.org.uk

Contact Name: Hannah Mart, Children and Young Persons Advocate at the Amethyst SARC, North Wales
Telephone: 07557319282 / Office 01492 805384
Area covered: Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham Borough
Website: www.rasawales.org.uk

ISVAs & Advocacy Workers in Scotland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ISVAs: Independent Sexual Violence Advisers - The Survivors Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many specialist support agencies offer an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service to victims/survivors of rape and sexual assault. The Independent Sexual Violence Adviser role was commissioned by Baroness Stern through the Home Office Violent Crime Unit in 2005. An ISVA is trained to look after your needs, and to ensure that you receive care and understanding.

# data[].attributes.headline
call to end violence against women and girls 2010

# data[].attributes.subject
call to end violence against women and girls 2010

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Government efforts to tackle domestic violence against women and girls are "virtually meaningless" in some areas, according to a group of women's organisations.

In a report released on Thursday, the End Violence Against Women Coalition - an umbrella of 60 women's organisations which aim to prevent domestic violence - gives the government 2.5 out of 10 for its preventative work, and argues that positive action from the Home Office, Department for International Development and Crown Prosecution Service is being undermined by the Department for Education and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

In the wake of a series of high-profile domestic and sexual abuse cases, the group urged the government to make sex and relationship education, which covers issues of consent and respect, compulsory. "For months now there has been a torrent of news reports about child sexual abuse, prosecutions of groups of men for child sexual exploitation, the murders of Tia Sharp and April Jones, and weekly stories of domestic violence murders, the rate of which is not falling," said Marai Larasi, chair of the End Violence Against Women Coalition.

"We urgently need a response from the prime minister as to the government's plans not just to police but to prevent this abuse in the first place. It is not inevitable - strategic policy can detect risk and prevent abuse. Currently government work is at best patchy and education policy is a key barrier to improving this."

The Department for Education was criticised for failing to support key government efforts to tackle domestic abuse, such as the Home Office's " thisisabuse" campaign, which featured online, on youth television and in cinemas. The report states that the DfE did not distribute material about the campaign and did not warn schools and teachers to be prepared if children came forward to disclose abuse as a result of the campaign. It added that a DfE expert group on violence against women and girls was disbanded in early 2012 and "our experts also did not feel there was sufficient ongoing training on safeguarding for teachers and staff".

Michael Gove, the education secretary, dropped Labour plans to introduce compulsory sex education lessons in English primary schools last year, and told an education select committee that there was a direct link between children doing well academically and their chances of indulging in "risky behaviour".

"If governmental departments don't work together on key initiatives, their effectiveness is undermined," said Holly Dustin, manager of End Violence Against Women. "There is good work in some areas of government, but unfortunately in other key areas the government's pledge is virtually meaningless."

A YouGov poll of more than 2,000 adults, commissioned by the group in conjunction with the report, found 86% of UK adults questioned believed sex and relationships education "which addresses sexual consent and respectful relationships" should be compulsory in secondary schools. A third of respondents believed their school should be doing more to prevent abuse, while 44% did not know. Of the third who thought schools should do more, 87% said teachers should be trained in spotting signs of abuse; 76% said schools should proactively tackle "sexual bullying" such as groping and sexual name-calling and 65% agreed that schools should have a clear policy prohibiting pornography in school including via phones and online.

A Home Office spokesperson said the government had "driven forward significant progress in tackling violence against women and girls", including ringfencing £40m for domestic and sexual violence support services, creating two new offences of stalking, launching the pilot of "Clare's law", introducing legislation to criminalise forced marriage and campaigning against female genital mutilation. "We are actively pursuing ways in which we can prevent domestic and sexual violence happening in the first place, do even more to help victims, bring perpetrators to justice and eradicate these appalling crimes for good."

A Department for Education spokesperson said that sex and relationship education was already compulsory in maintained secondary schools. "Our guidance explicitly states that children must learn about 'how to recognise and avoid exploitation and abuse'," said a spokeswoman. "Teachers must also cover the concept of sexual consent and teach pupils to respect themselves and others. We supported the thisisabuse campaign and made it accessible to teachers. We are also working hard to tackle child sexual exploitation, sexual bullying and the sexualisation of childhood."

According to the Sex Education Forum, current government policy states that it is compulsory to teach the biological aspect of sex education but sex and relationships education (SRE) is "currently not compulsory but is contained within non-statutory PSHE [personal, social, health and economic] education within the national curriculum and is strongly recommended within government SRE guidance." Government guidelines state: "Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of any sex education provided, but not from teaching the biological aspects of human growth and reproduction necessary under national curriculum science."

Dustin said: "We are confused as to why the Department for Education are saying that sex and relationships education is already compulsory when ministers have said repeatedly that they will not make it so. There is no law requiring schools to address issues such as sexual consent or healthy and respectful relationships, nor indeed to discuss the harmful messages that pornography sends."
Topics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Some government efforts on domestic violence 'are virtually meaningless'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Government efforts to tackle domestic violence against women and girls are "virtually meaningless" in some areas, according to a group of women's organisations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The household isolation instruction as a result of coronavirus does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse in a relationship: recognise it

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.

There are different kinds of abuse that can happen in different contexts. The most prevalent type of domestic abuse occurs in relationships. But the definition of domestic abuse also covers abuse between family members, such as adolescent to parent violence and abuse. You can read our guidance on adolescent to parent violence and abuse (APVA) (, 682KB, 35 pages).

For anyone who feels they are at risk of abuse, it is important to remember that there is help and support available to you, including police response, online support, helplines, refuges and other services.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you might be in an abusive relationship.

Emotional abuse

Does your partner, or former partner, ever:

belittle you, or put you down?

blame you for the abuse or arguments?

deny that abuse is happening, or play it down?

isolate you from your family and friends?

stop you going to college or work?

make unreasonable demands for your attention?

accuse you of flirting or having affairs?

tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?

control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things?

Threats and intimidation

Does your partner, or former partner, ever:

threaten to hurt or kill you?

destroy things that belong to you?

stand over you, invade your personal space?

threaten to kill themselves or the children?

read your emails, texts or letters?

harass or follow you?

Physical abuse

The person abusing you may hurt you in a number of ways.

Does your partner, or former partner, ever:

slap, hit or punch you?

push or shove you?

bite or kick you?

burn you?

choke you or hold you down?

throw things?

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, whether they're male or female.

Does your partner, or former partner, ever:

touch you in a way you don't want to be touched?

make unwanted sexual demands?

hurt you during sex?

pressure you to have unsafe sex - for example, not using a condom?

pressure you to have sex?

If your partner, or former partner, has sex with you when you don't want to, this is rape.

Have you ever felt afraid of your partner or former partner?

Have you ever changed your behaviour because you're afraid of what your partner, or former partner, might do?

If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there is help available.

Report it

If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic abuse find out how to report domestic abuse.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator and if possible, respond by coughing or tapping the head set.

Call 999 from a mobile

If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard and this will transfer your call to the police.

Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.

Call 999 from a landline

If only background noise can be heard and operators cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, then you will be connected to a police call handler.

If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again.

When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.

If you are deaf or can't verbally communicate

You can register with the emergencySMS service. Text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.

Get help if you, or someone you know, is a victim

We publish a list of organisations you can speak to for support.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is run by Refuge and offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones.

Telephone and TypeTalk: 0808 2000 247

Wales Live Fear Free Helpline

The Wales Live Fear Free Helpline offers help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Telephone: 0808 8010 800

TypeTalk: 18001 080 8801

Text: 078600 77 333

The Men's Advice Line

The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them.

Telephone: 0808 801 0327

Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Galop - for members of the LGBT+ community

Galop runs the National LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline.

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

TypeTalk: 18001 020 7704 2040

Email: help@galop.org.uk

Women's Aid

Women's Aid has a live chat service available Mondays to Fridays between 10am and 12pm as well as an online survivor's forum. You can also find your local domestic abuse service on their website.

The Survivor's Handbook, created by Women's Aid, provides information on housing, money, helping your children and your legal rights.

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana runs a national honour-based abuse and forced marriage helpline. If you are unable to call or email, you can send a message securely on the website.

Telephone: 0800 5999 247

Email: support@karmanirvana.org.uk

Hestia

Hestia provides a free mobile app, Bright Sky, which provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

Chayn

Chayn provides online help and resources in a number of languages about identifying manipulative situations and how friends can support those being abused.

Imkaan

Imkaan are a women's organisation addressing violence against black and minority women and girls.

Southall Black Sisters

Southall Black Sisters offer advocacy and information to Asian and Afro-Caribbean women suffering abuse.

Stay Safe East

Stay Safe East provides advocacy and support services to disabled victims and survivors of abuse.

Telephone: 020 8519 7241

Text: 07587 134 122

Email: enquiries@staysafe-east.org.uk

SignHealth

SignHealth provides domestic abuse service support for deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL).

Telephone: 020 3947 2601

Text/WhatsApp/Facetime: 07970 350366

Email: da@signhealth.org.uk

Shelter

Shelter provide free confidential information, support and legal advice on all housing and homelessness issues including a webchat service.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres

Sexual Assault Referral Centres provide advice and support services to victims and survivors of sexual assault or abuse.

Get help if you think you may be an abuser

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be an abuser, there is support available.

Respect is an anonymous and confidential helpline for men and women who are harming their partners and families. The helpline also takes calls from partners or ex-partners, friends and relatives who are concerned about perpetrators. A webchat service is available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 11am and from 3pm to 4pm.

Telephone: 0808 802 4040

Get help for children and young people

NSPCC

The NSPCC helpline is available for advice and support for anyone with concerns about a child.

The NSPCC has issued guidance for spotting and reporting the signs of abuse.

Telephone: 0808 800 5000

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can contact the NSPCC via SignVideo using your webcam. SignVideo, using British Sign Language, is available on PC, Mac, iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android smartphones (4.2 or above). This service is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.

Childline

Childline provides help and support to children and young people.

Telephone: 0800 1111

Barnardo's

Barnardo's provide support to families affected by domestic abuse.

Family Lives

Family Lives provide support through online forums.

Support for employers

Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse

The Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse website provides resources to support employers including an employers' toolkit.

Support for professionals

SafeLives provides guidance and support to professionals and those working in the domestic abuse sector, as well as additional advice for those at risk.

Support a friend if they're being abused

If you're worried a friend is being abused, let them know you've noticed something is wrong.

Neighbours and community members can be a life-line for those living with domestic abuse. Look out for your neighbours, if someone reaches out to you there is advice on this page about how to respond. They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.

If someone confides in you that they're suffering domestic abuse:

listen, and take care not to blame them

acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiencing abuse

give them time to talk, but don't push them to talk if they don't want to

acknowledge they're in a frightening and difficult situation

tell them nobody deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what the abuser has said

support them as a friend - encourage them to express their feelings, and allow them to make their own decisions

don't tell them to leave the relationship if they're not ready - that's their decision

ask if they have suffered physical harm - if so, offer to go with them to a hospital or GP

help them report the assault to the police if they choose to

be ready to provide information on organisations that offer help for people experiencing domestic abuse

If you are worried that a friend, neighbour or loved one is a victim of domestic abuse then you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, you should always call 999.

Women's Aid has a list of useful links for websites and organisations providing relevant information and support.

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as 'Clare's Law')

Under this scheme you can ask the police to check whether a new, former or existing partner has a violent past. This is called 'right to ask'. If records show that you may be at risk of domestic abuse from a partner, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.

The 'right to ask' also enables a third party, such as a friend or family member, to apply for a disclosure on behalf of someone they know. Again, the police can release information if it is lawful, necessary and proportionate to do so.

In order to make an application under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme please contact the police. You can do this by:

visiting a police station (the household isolation instruction as a result of coronavirus does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse)

phoning 101

speaking to a member of the police on the street

If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, you should always call 999.

Read more information in the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme guidance.

If you don't have settled status in the UK

Apply for settlement in your own right

If your relationship with a British citizen or someone settled in the UK has broken down because of domestic abuse you may be able to apply for settlement as a victim of domestic violence.

In light of this, the government offers the Destitute Domestic Violence concession, which provides help to victims of domestic abuse who are in a relationship in which they are financially dependent on an abusive partner, who have been admitted to the UK with leave as spouses, unmarried partners, same-sex partners or civil partners of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.

Apply for access to benefits

The Destitution Domestic Violence concession offers domestic abuse victims 3 months' leave outside the immigration rules with the ability to apply for access to public funds. This provides the opportunity to gain a temporary immigration status independent of the abuser and to fund safe accommodation, where victims of domestic abuse may consider applying for indefinite leave to remain or deciding to return to their country of origin.

More support materials

Help is available for those experiencing domestic abuse from the Department of Work and Pensions. This includes housing benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, a break from job seeking and Universal Credit adjustments.

Read information and practice guidelines for professionals protecting, advising and supporting victims of forced marriage.

Read the leaflet the Home Office developed with Southall Black Sisters aimed at women in black and minority ethnic communities: Three steps to escaping domestic violence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The household isolation instruction as a result of coronavirus does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. There are different kinds of abuse that can happen in different contexts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Issue

In the latest figures from 2012 to 2013 published by the ONS it is estimated that around 1.2 million women suffered domestic abuse and over 330,000 women were sexually assaulted. Domestic and sexual violence is often hidden away behind closed doors, with the victim suffering in silence.

We are determined to support victims in rebuilding their lives, reporting these crimes, and to make sure perpetrators are brought to justice. We all need to do more to prevent violence against women and girls happening at all.

Actions

Our approach to ending violence against women and girls involves a number of actions, including:

allocating and protecting nearly £40 million of funding until 2015 for specialist local support services and national helplines

re-launching the highly successful This is Abuse campaign, including collaborations with Hollyoaks and MTV, and with a new focus on reaching young male perpetrators

completion of the domestic violence disclosure scheme (Clare's Law) pilot and the national roll-out from March 2014. This allows the police to disclose information to the public about a partner's previous violent offending and thereby empowering people to make an informed decision about the future of a relationship

evaluation of the domestic violence protection order pilot, and the national roll-out from March 2014, which prevents perpetrators of violence from returning to their home for up to 28 days, giving the victim time to consider their options

a review of the police response to domestic violence by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, which reported in March 2014

setting out a programme of work through the National Group on Sexual Violence against Children and Vulnerable People to prevent sexual abuse happening in the first place; to protect children online; to make sure the police can identify and deal with abuse; and ensure victims are at the heart of the criminal justice system. We are ensuring that the work of this group links in effectively with the broader agenda on violence against women and girls

ensuring victims of sexual violence have access to specialist support, by part-funding 87 independent sexual violence advisers and pledging £1.2 million for 3 years from 2012 to improve services for young people suffering sexual violence in major urban areas

progressed legislation that criminalised forced marriage in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to ensure that this unacceptable practice can be robustly prosecuted

in February 2014, ministers signed a joint declaration on female genital mutilation to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to end this terrible form of abuse, which includes part-funding a new study into the prevalence of FGM in England and Wales. The new research will be the first update since a 2007 study revealed that over 20,000 girls in the UK could be at risk of FGM each year

maintaining one of the most robust sex offender management regimes in the world which has included introducing new legislation to reform the civil orders available, Funding the development and delivery of a training package on stalking to further assist frontline workers to identify cases of stalking, and support and advise victims appropriately

engaging closely with local commissioners, including issuing a violence against women and girls fact pack and holding a conference on commissioning for police and crime commissioners

Background

In 2010, Baroness Stern reviewed the handling of rape and sexual violence complaints by public authorities.

To mark the international day for the elimination of violence against women in 2010, the coalition government published its strategic vision, outlining our ambition to end violence against women and girls.

In March 2011 we published an action plan committing government to a wide range of actions to end violence against women and girls. We also published a full response to the Stern review.

This was followed by a progress review in November 2011 and an updated action plan in March 2012, containing 100 actions across areas like prevention, provision of services, partnership working, justice outcomes and reducing risk to victims.

In March 2013 we published a further refreshed version of our action plan. The new plan sets out significant progress since the last report was published a year ago. The updated plan looks at challenging the attitudes that foster violence against women and girls.

We published a further refreshed version of our action plan in March 2014, setting out cross-government progress on actions to reduce violence against women and girls since our last plan was published. Our new plan sets out our ambition to: protect victims through early intervention rolling out programmes such as Clare's Law and domestic violence protection orders; support effective local approaches by giving local commissioners the information they need to tackle violence against women and girls; ensure that other programmes - such as tackling sexual violence against children and young people, gang related exploitation of girls and modern slavery support our approach to ending violence against girls and women.

Who we've consulted

In October 2011 we consulted on a domestic violence disclosure scheme. We sought views on whether the protection available to victims of domestic violence could be enhanced by establishing a national disclosure scheme, which would include recognised and consistent processes for the police to disclose information to potential victims.

In December 2011 we consulted on whether a specific criminal offence would help combat forced marriage and, if so, how it would be formulated. We also asked how to implement the criminalisation of breaches of the civil Forced Marriage Protection Orders.

Following the consultation, we announced plans to make it a criminal offence to force someone to marry.

In February 2012, we launched a consultation to ask for views on how we can protect victims of stalking more effectively. Read the summary of the responses to the consultation.

In September 2012 we announced that the definition of domestic violence would be widened following a public consultation supporting the change. Read about the domestic violence definition consultation.

Bills and legislation

The Female Genital Mutilation Act was introduced in 2003 and came into effect in March 2004. The act:

makes it illegal to practice FGM in the UK

makes it illegal to take girls who are British nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM whether or not it is lawful in that country

makes it illegal to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad

includes a penalty of up to 14 years in prison and, or, a fine

In November 2012 the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 was updated by provisions made in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, creating 2 new offences for stalking. The new offences were made under sections 2A and 4A of the 1997 act and cover:

stalking

stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm and distress

The amendments also set out new police powers to enter and search premises (on provision of a warrant - section 2B).

The Anti- Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act was introduced in 2014. The Act:

criminalises forcing someone to marry against their will

criminalises the luring of a person to a territory of a state for the purpose of forcing them to enter into marriage

makes it an offence to use deception with the intention of causing another person to leave the UK for the intention of forcing that person to marry

criminalises the breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order

Appendix 1: stalking

This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.

Stalking is an appalling crime that destroys lives. We will make sure victims have the protection they need and bring stalkers to justice for making others' lives a misery.

Our response to stalking is included within our violence against women and girls action plan.

New stalking offences

Following a public consultation in November 2012, 2 specific criminal offences of 'stalking' and 'stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress' came into force in England and Wales, along with additional related police search powers. This will provide extra protection for victims, highlight the serious impact stalking can have on their lives, and help bring more perpetrators to justice.

As well as introducing the new offences, we worked with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that guidance and training for police and prosecutors reflects the new offences.

Further information

The following guidance is available:

Appendix 2: sexual violence

This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.

We want every report of sexual assault to be treated seriously from the point of disclosure; we want every victim to be treated with dignity, and every investigation and every prosecution to be conducted thoroughly and professionally.

Our main concern is the rights and welfare of the victim. We are committed to ensuring that every victim of sexual violence has access to appropriate support. In particular, we have provided £1.72 million per year to part fund 87 independent sexual violence advisor posts from 2011/12 to 2014/15.

Independent sexual violence advisers

We have part funded 87 independent sexual violence adviser posts ( ISVAs) to work with victims of recent and historic serious sexual crimes to get the help they need.

The support provided by an ISVA will vary from case to case, depending on the needs of the victim and their particular circumstances. However, the main role of an ISVA includes making sure that victims of sexual abuse have the best advice on:

what counselling and other services are available to them

the process involved in reporting a crime to the police

taking their case through the criminal justice process, should they choose to do so

Young people's advocates

As part of our Ending gang and youth violence programme, we are providing £1.2 million over 3 years (from 2012 to 2015) for 13 young people's advocates to support young people at risk of or suffering sexual violence and/or sexual exploitation, particularly by gangs.

The funding has been awarded to 8 organisations with experience of working with young people, victims of sexual violence and gangs from the voluntary and charity and public sectors, and will further improve the help and support available to young people.

Young people's advocates work in the areas most affected by gangs and understand the specific risks gang violence can have for young people. They work closely with local authorities, the police, youth offending teams and other local partners and share knowledge.

Child sexual exploitation and grooming

Recent court cases involving the appalling sexual exploitation of children have raised a number of important issues not just for the government, but for social services, the police and the criminal justice system in how we protect our children.

Our response to the Home Affairs Select Committee's inquiry, Child sexual exploitation and the response to localised grooming, outlines how we will:

prevent abuse happening in the first place

protect children online

make sure the police and others are best placed to identify and deal with problems

ensure victims are at the heart of the criminal justice system

Appendix 3: domestic violence and abuse

This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.

Definition of domestic violence and abuse

In March 2013, we introduced a change in the definition of domestic violence and abuse. It was widened to include young people aged 16 to 17 who exhibited coercive control - a pattern of controlling behaviour. The decision followed a consultation that saw respondents call overwhelmingly for this change.

Extending the definition increases awareness that young people in this age-group experience domestic violence and abuse, encouraging more of them to come forward and get the support they need.

Read more about the government definition of domestic violence and abuse.

Domestic violence disclosure scheme

Under the domestic violence disclosure scheme an individual can ask the police to check whether a new or existing partner has a violent past ('right to ask'). This scheme is commonly known as 'Clare's law'. If police checks show that a person may be at risk of domestic violence from their partner, the police will consider disclosing the information.

A pilot of the scheme in 4 police areas ended in September 2013 and the scheme has been extended across England and Wales from 8 March 2014.

Independent domestic violence advisers

Independent domestic violence advisers help keep victims and their children safe from harm from violent partners or family.

A number of organisations and agencies successfully bid for funding to support independent domestic violence advisers (IDVAs) and multi-agency risk assessment conference ( MARAC) co-ordinators or administrators.

We also fund co-ordinated action against domestic abuse (CAADA) to provide a limited number of IDVA training places and to run the MARAC development programme, which provides support and resources to help MARACs improve their effectiveness.

Domestic homicide review guidance

When a person has been killed as a result of domestic violence, a domestic homicide review should be carried out to find out what happened and, most importantly, to identify what needs to change to reduce the risk of such tragedies happening in the future.

To support those establishing or contributing to domestic homicide reviews we have updated our multi-agency statutory guidance for the conduct of domestic homicide reviews.

An online domestic homicide reviews training package is also available to help community safety partnerships understand the process, and chairpersons training is available in 9 regions.

Community safety partnerships must notify the Home Office of their decision to either conduct a domestic homicide review, or not to conduct a review.

Find out more about domestic homicide reviews.

Domestic violence protection orders and notices

Domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) are being implemented across England and Wales from 8 March 2014. This follows the successful conclusion of a 1 year pilot in the West Mercia, Wiltshire and Greater Manchester police force areas

Under the scheme, the police and magistrates can prevent the perpetrator from contacting the victim or returning to their home for up to 28 days. DVPOs are designed to help victims who may otherwise have had to flee their home, giving them the space and time to access support and consider their options.

Appendix 4: 'This is abuse' campaign

This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.

The most recent phase of the This is Abuse campaign ran from December 2013 until April 2014. The campaign is aimed at 13- to 18-year-old boys and girls and encourages teens to rethink their views of violence, abuse, controlling behaviour and sexual abuse and what consent means within their relationships.

The latest phase of the 'This is abuse' campaign started on 13 March 2014 and helps teenage boys to understand what constitutes abusive behaviours in relationships. We have worked with YouTube stars, Mandem on the Wall, Charlie McDonnell, Jamal Edwards of SBTV and Twist and Pulse, who have all produced new video blogs (know as vlogs) where they discuss issues such as consent, sexting and controlling behaviour.

The campaign also included a TV advertising campaign with 'Hollyoaks', the 'call it out' campaign with MTV, and a run of radio advertisements on Kiss FM.

All campaign activity encouraged teenagers to visit the campaign website www.thisisabuse.co.uk, which provides support and advice, as well as moderated forums where teens can discuss the issues with their peers.

Resources are available to support local campaigns; these include a discussion guide to help in conversations with young people on abuse within their relationships.

Partners can email VAWGcampaigns@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk to request a copy of the campaign brief, which contains further information and details on how to order materials.

Appendix 5: female genital mutilation

This was a supporting detail page of the main policy document.

FGM is an unacceptable form of abuse and violence against girls and women, and the government is committed to preventing FGM. FGM is illegal in the UK; it is also illegal to take a British national or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this.

Campaign to prevent female genital mutilation

The Home Office has secured £250,000 from the EU PROGRESS fund to put a stop to female genital mutilation ( FGM) in the UK.

Part of the money was used to run a campaign to raise awareness of FGM within the UK. Campaign activity highlighted the free 24-hour NSPCC FGM helpline (0800 028 3550). Callers to the helpline will remain anonymous, however any information that could protect a child from abuse will be passed to the police or social services

There is also a NSPCC website on FGM where members of the public and professionals can get help, advice and support on FGM issues.

A has been produced featuring survivors of FGM and doctors discussing the issue and warning mothers and carers of the health dangers of the procedure.

You can find further background to the campaign and details on how to order support materials by emailing FGMEnquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk for more information.

A range of measures to end FGM were announced to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance on 6 February 2014.

Find out what we're doing about FGM (including posters and leaflets) and the statement opposing FGM.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2010 to 2015 government policy: violence against women and girls

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In the latest figures from 2012 to 2013 published by the ONS it is estimated that around 1.2 million women suffered domestic abuse and over 330,000 women were sexually assaulted. Domestic and sexual violence is often hidden away behind closed doors, with the victim suffering in silence.