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When completing a DASH risk assessment, there is the following support for those assessed as standard, medium and high. These are colour coded blue, orange and red.

The boxes with GREEN boarders are universal offer, no matter of risk level.

View the Referral Routes document here.

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Risk Level Routes - Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Partnership

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The service provides support for survivors (men & women aged 16+) that have been affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child sexual abuse, FGM, stalking, harassment and revenge porn
The service provides the following services & programmes:
1:1 Counselling (24 weeks)

Group Counselling (12 weeks)

Coaching & mentoring (8 weeks) (post counselling) setting meaningful goals for the future

Mindfulness, meditation and yoga (6 weeks) support to manage triggers, flashbacks & panic attacks

Freedom Programme (12 weeks) for those affected by domestic abuse

ROSE programme (10 weeks) for those affected by sexual abuse

No Excuse for Abuse deliver perpetrator programmes which hold them accountable for their behaviours and aims to end the cycle of abuse:

1:1 Freedom for Perpetrators programme (12 weeks)

1:1 Respect programme (24 weeks)

1:1 Counselling (post completion of one of our programmes)
Outreach
The service educate students from Year 10 upwards in schools, colleges and universities about the following topics:

Consent, drinking responsibly, actions to take if your/your friend's drink has been spiked, healthy relationships vs toxic relationships, safety whilst out and at pubs or clubs, etc

The service also raise awareness about issues such as domestic abuse by talking to local businesses.

Call the helpline: 07883304090
info@noisno.org.uk Online Community and Self referral form www.noisno.org.uk

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What Support is Available? - Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Partnership

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The service provides support for survivors (men & women aged 16+) that have been affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child sexual abuse, FGM, stalking, harassment and revenge porn The service provides the following services & programmes: 1:1 Counselling (24 weeks) Group Counselling (12 weeks) Coaching & mentoring (8 weeks)

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Links to support for domestic abuse victims in Buckinghamshire - with the ability to translate

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Links to support for domestic abuse victims in Buckinghamshire - with the ability to translate

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In an emergency call 999

To report a non-emergency incident call 101

We operate a free and confidential 24-hour helpline to anyone living in the Buckinghamshire area, who is currently experiencing
domestic abuse.

We can provide immediate advice and, where appropriate and with your consent, can refer or signpost you on to our other
services or external agencies for longer-term support.

Bucks Domestic Abuse Services are provided by Aylesbury Women's Aid and Wycombe Women's Aid

It's hard to put into words what the support I received has meant for me. It has opened my eyes to what I experienced and why I've been struggling so much. It helped me to feel that I'm on the right path and doing my best and reinforced to me I'm not alone and there are people willing to support and listen to me.
-SERVICE USER

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Bucks Domestic Abuse Services 01296 437777

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We operate a free and confidential 24-hour helpline to anyone living in the Buckinghamshire area, who is currently experiencingdomestic abuse. We can provide immediate advice and, where appropriate and with your consent, can refer or signpost you on to our otherservices or external agencies for longer-term support.

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High Risk is via a different pathway,

which you can find on the Bucks DA Pathway tab

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supporting women and children in Aylesbury, information advocacy and refuge accommodation to women and children fleeing domestic violence or forced marriage - telephone: 01296 437777

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supporting women and children in Wycombe, Chilterns and South Bucks who are experiencing or trying to escape domestic violence - telephone: 01494 461367

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The Buckinghamshire IDVA Service is an independent, professional and confidential countywide service hosted by Wycombe Women's Aid (who cover High Wycombe & South Bucks) and Aylesbury Women's Aid (who cover Aylesbury Vale and the Chilterns).

IDVAs provide crisis support and information for high or medium cases of domestic violence. They can offer:

Advocacy

Information on legal options and/or support through the court process

Liaison with other agencies (such as housing, Police, solicitors)

Advice and information about options to improve safety

Information on rights concerning housing and the legal process

Support in developing a Personal Safety Plan and Action Plan

Support to attend meetings and court

Help to stay in your own home

IDVAs offer short-term crisis intervention for a limited time period before signposting to other agencies (such as Wycombe Women's Aid Outreach service, CAB, Drug & Alcohol agencies) for continued management of risk level.
Please note that the IDVA service is NOT an emergency response service. If your situation is an emergency, please telephone the Police - 999

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The Buckinghamshire IDVA Service is an independent, professional and confidential countywide service hosted by Wycombe Women's Aid (who cover High Wycombe & South Bucks) and Aylesbury Women's Aid (who cover Aylesbury Vale and the Chilterns). IDVAs provide crisis support and information for high or medium cases of domestic violence.

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This scheme keeps people safe in their own homes. Any organisation can refer into the sanctuary scheme by contacting Wycombe Women’s Aid who then refer to Safe Partnership Limited to carry out the target hardening.  Safe Partnership Limited assesses the need with the client and after liaising with WWA carries out the work.  The process is quick, homes are generally assessed and work is usually completed within 2 hours.

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Contact us by Phone

We operate several numbers depending on the nature of your enquiry. For general enquiries please use the following number:

Main helpline: 01494 461367

We also have separate numbers for particular services:

For Refuge enquiries call 01494 461367 between 9:00am and 4.30pm Monday - Thursday and between 9:00am and 4:00pm on Friday.

For Outreach enquiries call 07436 536600 between 9:00am and 4.30pm Monday - Thursday and between 9:00am and 4:00pm on Friday.

For IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy) enquiries call 07483 159152 between 9:00am and 4.30pm Monday - Thursday and between 9:00am and 4:00pm on Friday.

For Counselling enquiries call 01494 461367 between 9:00am and 4:30pm Monday - Thursday and between 9:00am and 4:00pm on Friday.

For Youth Service enquiries call 07436 536400 between 9:00am and 4:30pm Monday - Thursday and between 9:00am and 4:00pm on Friday.

Outside of these times, all services have an answer phone facility for messages. Messages are responded to during the next working day.

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We operate several numbers depending on the nature of your enquiry. For general enquiries please use the following number: Main helpline: 01494 461367 We also have separate numbers for particular services: For Refuge enquiries call 01494 461367 between 9:00am and 4.30pm Monday - Thursday and between 9:00am and 4:00pm on Friday.

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(Aylesbury & Milton Keynes Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service) - provide advice, support and counselling to women and girls and men and boys over sixteen that have been affected by sexual violence. #They also help men and boys who are victims of domestic abuse

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We are proud to be amongst the 1 in 20 IDVA services across the country that provide specialised court support.

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Respect is a pioneering UK charity working to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse.

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Victims First - supporting victims across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

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What is Domestic Abuse?

Any incident of pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

Controlling behaviour

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour

Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

This cross-government definition includes so called 'honour' based violence (HBV), female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage (FM). Domestic abuse occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, and geography.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimates of domestic abuse are based on a Government definition that includes young people aged 16 to 17 and coercive or controlling behaviour.

What is Coercive Control?

Domestic Abuse - Everyone's Business

Support for Victims of Domestic Abuse

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Any incident of pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

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LGBT Bucks - LGBT Social & Support Information in Buckinghamshire

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Find LGBT social & sport groups in Bucks

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SAFE! provides support to children and families around the Thames Valley who have been affected by crime or abuse through one-to-one and group sessions

SAFE! has three core services for children and families living anywhere in the Thames Valley:

The Young Victim Service provides support to children aged 5 up to 18 who have been harmed by an experience of victimisation.

The Building Respectful Families Service provides support to families experiencing Child and Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (CAPVA).'

The SASH Bucks project provides support after abuse and sexual harm to children and families living in Buckinghamshire.

For details on how to refer, please visit our Routes to Help page

SAFE! also offers training for professionals.

We use interpretation services whenever required to ensure we can meet the needs of any young person or parent/carer. We can help if you have any special requirements to access our support.

You can find SAFE! on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, under the handle @safesupportyp or on Facebook under AboutSafeProject

**********************NEWS************************
September 2022
Referrals have reopened for the Young Victim Service, Building Respectful Families and our new SASH Bucks service for children and families affected by domestic abuse or sexual harm in Buckinghamshire. Please visit the ' Routes to help' page to find out more

The SASH MK project has now closed due to lack of funding.
May 2022
SAFE! has released a Service Evaluation Report of our Building Respectful Families (BRF) intervention. This was undertaken by an independent researcher and completed over a two-year period, using a mixed-methods approach which included data analysis and in-depth interviews with children, young people, caregivers, and practitioners involved in the intervention. The report highlights the impact of the BRF service and how the team are helping families affected by CAPVA. Read the full report here here
1 April 2022
We have spaces on our next two DAY programmes in Oxfordshire - an online group for children over 11 who have lived with domestic abuse. This multi-media programme explores healthy and unhealthy relationships in a fun and engaging way, and gives opportunities for peer support. The first programme, running from May is aimed at young people who identify as LGBTQA+. The second programme running from late June includes a two-night residential trip for young women who have experienced abuse within a romantic relationship. For more information email kristie.waller@safeproject.org.uk
November 2021
SAFE! has published our Impact Report for 2021 which details the work of the organisation between April 2020 and March 2021. You can read the report here
September 1 2021
SAFE! and AVMKSAASS have come together to provide a specialist service tailored to the needs of Children and Young People living in Milton Keynes. Our aim is to support Children, and Young People age 5 + by delivering a responsive, individually tailored specialist support service in Milton Keynes to those who have been affected by rape, sexual assault, and abuse. Both organisations are passionate about the work they do and believe that children and young people deserve access to specialist support during vulnerable or troubled phases of their lives. Early intervention is crucial for healthy emotional development, giving the chance for the developing brain to fire synaptic networks into life and learn to regulate stress responses.
For further information please call SASH helpline 07546 561186

We are also now open for referrals into all of our services.
August 2021
SAFE! practitioners have been putting together resources and ideas to help other professionals supporting children and young people. Check out our Tools for Professionals page
July 2020
SAFE! has today released a new Safestories video which explores coercion and control in a teenage relationship. Working with teachers at the Cherwell School in Oxford we have created PSHE teaching resources differentiated for key stages 3 and 4 to accompany the video. You can watch the video here.

To request a copy of the teaching resources for free please complete this form
May 2020
SAFE! has today published a report looking at experiences of peer-on-peer abuse around the Thames Valley following a consultation with young people, parents and professionals.

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IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Due to current restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 outbreak, SAFE! is currently only able to offer support to young people affected by crime through remote sessions, either on the phone or video link.

If you are a young person or parent and would like to self-refer, please email safe@safeproject.org.uk with your name and number, and someone will call you to take a referral over the phone.

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SAFE! is an independent charity and this service is provided free of charge. Anyone can refer themselves or a friend who lives in the Thames Valley to SAFE!

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SAFE! - Supporting young people in the Thames Valley who have been harmed by crime

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SAFE! provides support to children and families around the Thames Valley who have been affected by crime or abuse through one-to-one and group sessions SAFE! has three core services for children and families living anywhere in the Thames Valley: The Young Victim Service provides support to children aged 5 up to 18 who have been harmed by an experience of victimisation.

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If you are in the UK, are 13 years or older and are experiencing an issue with your own online accounts or devices then we can help.

We can also help sole traders who are experiencing online security issues with their business accounts or technology.

Our service is for individuals and sole traders only, we do not provide support to businesses. If your business is experiencing a cyber security issue you can read our guide here.

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If you are in the UK, are 13 years or older and are experiencing an issue with your own online accounts or devices then we can help. We can also help sole traders who are experiencing online security issues with their business accounts or technology.

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Our confidential services provide information and support to an older person or anyone concerned about an older person who is at risk of, experiencing or recovering from any form of abuse or neglect. They can all be accessed below

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How to respond if someone says they're experiencing domestic abuse

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********COVID-19 NOTICE******* As of the 17th March 2020 Flag DV will only offer telephone advice appointments until further notice. We will not be offering face to face appointments. We continue to offer an interpreter service to non-English speaking victims. We continue to accept referrals via our telephone line and digital online referral form found on this website. We will keep you updated on further changes here on our website or by email if you are known to us and awaiting your appointment.

What do we do?

We give you free legal advice from a family law solicitor about your personal situation.

Empowerment

Flag DV Legal advisors can offer you the advice you need to confidentially make decisions to improve your situation.

Read More

Protection

Domestic abuse and violence often affects those who love you too. Flag DV can link you to organisations and resources that help you protect yourself and your family.

Read More

Choice

You are in charge. Flag DV will listen to you and respond with options based upon your legal rights and the outcome you want. But it's up to you what you do next.

Read More

Did You Know

Office for National Statistics, The Crime Survey for England and Wales year ending March 2018

An estimated 7.9% of women (1.3 million) and 4.2% of men (695,000) experienced domestic abuse in 2018

Clare's Law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. A member of the public can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.

You might be able to get legal aid if you have evidence that you or your children have been victims of domestic abuse or violence and you cannot afford to pay legal costs.

Need Help
Fill in our referral form for free confidential legal advice

Referral Form

Domestic abuse victims contacted Flag DV for help

Children at risk of being affected by parental domestic abuse

The number of male victims who made up 7% of our clients

Grants awarded to Flag DV

St. James's Place Foundation

"St. James's Place Charitable Foundation has been supporting those in need since 1992, making a positive and lasting difference to people's lives by awarding grants to charities registered in the UK to assist them in the incredible work they do every day." So far, they have raised and distributed over £93 million to thousands of charities.

The Earley Charity

"The Earley Charity is one of the largest local grant-making charities in central southern England. Its object is the relief of need among elderly, disabled or poor people living in our area of benefit. The Charity's terms of reference also make it possible for us to fund community, educational, informational, cultural, sporting, recreational and social initiatives."

The Leathersellers' Company Charitable Fund

"The Leathersellers' Company Charitable Fund provides a wide range of funding to UK registered Charities, Educational Institutions and University Students. In 2018/19 we awarded £3,440,255 in charitable and educational grants. In 2019/20 we expect to spend a similar amount on deserving causes."

National Lottery Awards for All

"National Lottery Awards for All offers funding from £300 to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities. We will fund organisations with great project ideas that: bring people together and build strong relationships in and across communities; improve the places and spaces that matter to communities; help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage."

Peter Baker Foundation

"In June 2019 Greenham Trust took assumed responsibility for the Peter Baker Foundation, a Newbury based charitable trust set up by successful local businessman Peter Baker in 1996 which has given £1.5 million to local charitable causes. Funds are awarded for... charitable purposes which benefit inhabitants within a 20 mile radius of Newbury Market Place, Berkshire."

Police & Crime Commissioner Thames Valley

Berkshire Community Foundation

Helplines

Telephone Referrals

01635 015854

In Immediate Danger
Call 999

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247

Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

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Home - Flag DV - Free Legal Advice Group For Domestic Violence

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COVID-19 NOTICE******* As of the 17th March 2020 Flag DV will only offer telephone advice appointments until further notice. We will not be offering face to face appointments. We continue to offer an interpreter service to non-English speaking victims. We continue to accept referrals via our telephone line and digital online referral form found on this website.

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Report a Concern - Professionals - Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Adults Board

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This site brings together local public sector partnerships that involve Buckinghamshire Council.

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request hard copies via the BucksDAP@buckinghamshire.gov.uk mail box.

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Information and guidance for victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them who are subject to tech facilitated domestic abuse, stalking and harrassment

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For Organisations Supporting Domestic Abuse Victims

We want to make sure that domestic abuse victims receive the most accurate and up to date advice to help protect their online accounts and devices from further abuse and stalking both inside and outside of their abusive relationship. This guidance has been based on the training package we deliver to organisations and charities that help domestic abuse victims on a daily basis.

If you would like to receive further training around this topic, please email us at cyberprotect@serocu.police.uk.

Build Your Understanding

In order to protect domestic abuse victims online, you need to ascertain what online accounts they have (social media, email, online banking, shopping, etc.) and what devices they have (laptops, computers, tablets, smart phones, smart devices, Alexa, Ring doorbell, etc.). You can achieve this by performing a device and online account audit with them and then start to look at measures that can be put in place. Download our account and device checklist that you can go through with the victim. Once you have completed this and are unsure what advice to give next, you can download our 10 Step Guide to Securing a Victim.

During the Relationship

If the victim is still in a relationship, you need to be aware that the perpetrator could be monitoring their online accounts and devices so any advice needs to be delivered in a safe environment. You need to make sure that if you fill out the device and account checklist with the victim, they do not save the document on a device that the perpetrator has access to.

Any cyber security measures put in place whilst the victim is still in the relationship may result in an escalation of abuse and as such need to be implemented in a way that will safeguard the victim.

Outside of the Relationship

If the victim is now out of the relationship, perpetrators may exploit digital technology to continue to exert control over the victim. However, if the victim is no longer living with or in contact with their abuser, there is a reduced risk of direct harm if the victim implements strong cyber security measures.

Report It

If you have concerns about a victim of domestic abuse and/or need to report further abuse, this can be reported via 101 or online. If you are concerned they have been a victim of domestic related cybercrime, follow our Guidance on Reporting Cybercrime.
If any person is at risk of immediate harm, always contact the Police on 999
NCSC Topic Guides

The National Cyber Security Centre has produced a number of topic specific guides. If you are a practitioner working with victims of domestic abuse and would like access to the NCSC's domestic cyber crime guidance, please send an email to feedback@ncsc.gov.uk from your official work account, and please ensure you include your work signature block at the bottom of the email.

Securing Accounts

All online accounts need to be secured with a strong password. If there is a risk that the abuser can access or guess their passwords, they need to be changed as soon as possible. The victim can create a strong, memorable password by creating a passphrase using 3 random words. They can then use special characters and numbers to make it stronger, see the example below.
LondonBeachMusic > 5LondonBeachMusic9@
If they struggle to remember lots of passwords, they can consider using a password manager, where you can keep all of your passwords in one place. If the victim does want to use a password manager it is worth searching online for the best password managers on the market and decide whether they would like a free or paid for version.

We have more detailed guidance on how to deal with passwords.

They also need to make sure that you protect your password manager with a strong password and 2FA. Two-factor authentication (2FA) needs to be set up wherever possible. We have more detailed guidance on the importance and use of 2FA.

On their email accounts, they need to beware of any suspicious emails. Don't click on any suspicious links or attachments within these or provide any personal/financial information. Remember you can now report all phishing emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. You can also forward suspicious texts to 7726. Reports are used to take action to protect others by, for example, taking down the websites associated with phishing.

Cloud/ Shared Accounts

Online accounts should not be shared if possible as this will give the abuser access to all of the victim's data on that account, which can be misused. There is also the risk that the abuser could log the other party out of their accounts and restrict access. This also risks losing any important documents or photos stored in the cloud.

You can remove any associated accounts and devices of the abuser from the account, or create a new account and move all content across to that new account. It may also be worth the victim investing in a USB stick that they can conceal easily to keep all of their most important documents and photos on, in case there is a risk of the perpetrator deleting everything. This USB must be safely stored as losing it could expose personal data.

Online Banking

Online bank accounts are an important online account where perpetrators can exert financial control by accessing the victim's bank account from their devices and monitoring transactions. Victims can contact their bank for help in ending all active online sessions as well as resetting their password and 2FA. This will prevent the abuser from accessing their accounts.

For a victim still in the relationship, this may be more difficult to achieve. Another option would be to have two separate bank accounts, one for bills and one for everyday spending, where they could subtly limit access to one of the accounts and minimise the risk of being locked out of all finances. The other thing to be wary of is whether an abuser could use social engineering tactics to gain access to the victim's account by tricking bank staff into handing over information. Some banks have the ability to flag an account where this may be a risk, and the victim should speak with a member of bank staff in confidence if they are concerned this may happen.

If there is a risk that the victim may be at risk of identity theft, Cifas provide a number of services and advice which you can find out more about on their website.

Social Media

This is a big topic and one of the most important areas in which victims should enhance their security. This is particularly true for younger victims who are more likely to spend more of their time online and have a greater presence on social media. Victims should still be able to safely use social media provided they have taken steps to protect their accounts to minimise the possibility their perpetrators can access their account and/or be able to contact them/ find their location.

To secure their social media accounts, the first step is ensuring they have a strong password and 2FA on all accounts. The vast majority of social media services offer 2FA which is a crucial extra step that would stop the majority of social media account takeovers.

Settings need to be reviewed to ensure accounts are not giving away any unnecessary personal information. Strong privacy settings are crucial. Settings should be checked to see what devices are logged into their accounts or are 'trusted' devices, with any old or unknown devices being removed. If a victim's social media accounts are compromised there is always the option to delete all accounts and create a new profile under an alias name, linking it to a new non-identifiable email account.

For victims who do not have a social media presence it may be worth setting one up as a defensive measure. They can set one up using a strong password, 2FA, add key friends and minimal personal information, turning off all notifications. This will prevent a perpetrator creating a false account in their name to befriend friends and family and try and elicit information, such as the victim's location. The victim's friends and family will already know their legitimate account, even if in an alias.

For more information and advice on using social media safely, follow the NCSC guidance.

There are a number of resources to educate children on the safe use of social media:

Revenge Porn

The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 Section 33 outlines the offence of Revenge Porn: disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 extends this offence to include threatening to disclose such images. If the victim has been a victim of Revenge Porn they need to report it on 101 or online if they have not done so already. They should also report it to the social media provider to get the post/photos taken down. In particular, Facebook and Instagram have a portal where you can report it called ' Not Without My Consent'. Or you can direct the victim to the Revenge Porn Helpline for further advice and guidance.

Smart Devices

If a victim has any smart devices in the home, they can leave their network vulnerable if not set up properly. As well as this, perpetrators can use smart devices in the victim's home both during and after the relationship if they still have access. With smart devices, the key things to do is to make sure they have changed the default passwords of the devices, remove account access for unwanted accounts and keep the firmware updated. For more detailed advice on smart devices, view the NCSC's guidance.

WiFi: Home Routers and Public WiFi

Home routers are generally secure, but in order to secure them further it is recommended that you change the default password to a stronger password using the 3 random word rule. This is particularly important for a victim to do once outside the relationship, as the perpetrator may have established the ability to remotely connect to the home network. Sometimes a factory reset first is the best option to ensure the strong default rules are in place, but they should consider that this may stop some other devices inside the network from offering full functionality (such as being able to view home CCTV while out and about) without further steps.

It is always going to be safer using a 3G or 4G connection, when not connected to your home WiFi, as your data is automatically encrypted between your device and the mobile phone mast.

Browsing the Web

If a victim is concerned about their internet browser history and whether that could be used against them, there are options where they can browse the web safely. Victims can always delete their internet history across their devices. They can also use the private browsing feature in their web browser that will allow them to search the web freely without automatically saving the search history on the device. You can also download private browsing apps that wipe your search history after every use. However, there is always the risk inside the relationship that if the perpetrator is aware the victim is searching online and cannot find any online search history, this may make them agitated. To avoid this they can add a few searches on the clear web searching side so not to arouse suspicion.

Web Browser extensions: there is a possibility that a perpetrator could have added web browser extensions, which can be set up to capture data and monitor activity on that web browser on that device. You can check whether browser extensions have been set up in their browser settings and delete them accordingly. If there are any browser extensions that need removing, it is recommended that they change their passwords as the abuser may have already captured their current passwords.

Location Services

Location services on your devices can be used as a means of tracking your location by a perpetrator. It is important that the victim switches off location services, unless it is specifically needed for certain apps. For example, they may want to switch their location services on for a personal safety app. Often devices and apps switch it on by default but you can switch it off by going into your settings. For Android devices, click here. For Apple devices, click here. Most devices now allow a choice to allow the use of location services only while using the app.

Device Protection

Victims want to make sure their devices are protected with a password and/or pin, as well as installing all the latest software and app updates. They should also install Anti Virus / Anti Malware software across all of their devices. They can search on their web browser to find one that is most suitable for them. For Microsoft Windows devices, make sure that Windows Defender is switched on and updated. If you think their devices may already have malicious software, you can follow this NCSC guidance on how to recover an infected device.

Further Resources/ Signposting

For any further advice and support, please contact us via email at: cyberprotect@serocu.police.uk

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Technology-facilitated Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment – South-East Cyber Crime Unit

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We want to make sure that domestic abuse victims receive the most accurate and up to date advice to help protect their online accounts and devices from further abuse and stalking both inside and outside of their abusive relationship. This guidance has been based on the training package we deliver to organisations and charities that help domestic abuse victims on a daily basis.

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email BucksDAP@buckinghamshire.gov.uk mail box for hard copies

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GD001941 What is domestic abuse leaflet 2023_v3 (2) Copy

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Request hard copies via BucksDAP@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

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For cards email BucksDAP@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

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Focus on Bucks- Same password!

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Bright Sky DA App for victims/survivors and professionals

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Bright Sky DA App for victims/survivors and professionals

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App to support victim/survivors as well as professionals

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If you are concerned about domestic abuse, we know it can be hard to find support. That's why Bright Sky was developed.

Download Bright Sky today because you never know when you might need it to save someone's life.

Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.

Bright Sky helps you to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond, and help someone find a safe route to support.
The app can be downloaded for free via the app stores. Please only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isn't being monitored.
Launched in partnership with Vodafone Foundation and Thames Valley Partnership, the app hosts a UK-wide directory of specialist support service and offers users assessment tools to help you spot the signs for someone experiencing domestic abuse. It has had over 80,000 downloads since its launch in 2018. The website is focused on how to spot the signs of domestic abuse, advice on how to support someone you have concerns for, and ways to find help.
Features

The app is available in 5 languages: English, Urdu, Punjabi, Polish and Welsh.

A unique UK-wide directory of specialist domestic abuse support services with contact details.

Content to help you understand if you or someone else is at risk .

Links to further resources and information on domestic abuse.

Information to help you to stay safe online.

Please only download the Bright Sky app if it is safe to do so. If you are in immediate danger, always call the police on 999. Visit Bright Sky Online
Contact

To add or amend the details of a specialist service on the Bright Sky app, please complete the form below.
Update service details on Bright Sky
If you have any other enquiries about Bright Sky, you can email [email protected] .

For media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Download Bright Sky posters, social media graphics and other marketing materials to help promote the app:
Download Bright Sky asset pack Read the Bright Sky Privacy Policy

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The Bright Sky app provides support for those experiencing domestic abuse as well as those concerned about friends and family members

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for hard copies email BucksDAP@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

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What is a Domestic Abuse Champion leaflet

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What is a Domestic Abuse Champion leaflet

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Champions LIFT - Lead, Inspire, Facilitate Support and Train others . Check RtR Hub for opportunities or email BucksDAP@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

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Hollie Guard is a perfect addition to an organisation's safety and personal care policy. We can accommodate any organisation's needs with our flexible licensing option.

Please do not use this form for support queries. You can find out more in our Support section.

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Hollie Guard is a perfect addition to an organisation's safety and personal care policy. We can accommodate any organisation's needs with our flexible licensing option. Please do not use this form for support queries. You can find out more in our Support section.