Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off incident, but a pattern of power and control over you. It is any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship, or between family members.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• psychological and/or emotional abuse
• physical or sexual abuse
• financial abuse
• harassment and stalking
• online or digital abuse

You may just want someone to listen, or help to stop your abuser hurting you further.

All services in Derbyshire follow the same guidelines when dealing with domestic abuse, whether you talk to someone at your health centre, school, housing office or social services office. They will offer someone to talk to, legal information, help available to you, support in your home or long term help.

There is one helpline number in Derbyshire for reporting or discussing domestic abuse tel: 08000 198 668. Or you can email: derbyshiredahelpline@theelmfoundation.org.uk

Live chat is available at The Elm Foundation on Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm. Outside these hours the service will send an email that will be responded to as soon as possible.

Deaf and hard of hearing people can text 07534 617252.

In an emergency, or if you are in any danger, always tel: 999.

If you phone 999 from a mobile phone but it is not safe for you to speak, Silent Solution is a system the police use to assess and respond to your call. Phone 999 and if it is not safe to respond to the BT operator when they ask what service you want, stay connected. If the operator hears any suspicious noise you will be transferred to the police. If nothing is heard you may be asked to press 55. This will connect you to a police call handler. Listen carefully to their questions and instructions so that they can assess your situation and arrange for assistance. This system means that the police can respond to genuine emergencies when people are in danger, and accidental or hoax 999 calls do not distract them. Accidental 999 calls from a landline are less likely, so if you phone 999 from a landline but are unable to speak you will be connected without being asked to enter 55.

Find out more about domestic abuse support and information services in Derbyshire.

Referral forms for MARAC and DASH are available on the Safer Derbyshire website.

Coercive and controlling behaviour

Coercive control is a criminal offence and is a form of domestic abuse.

The Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board, together with Safer Derbyshire, have produced a multi-agency practitioner briefing about coercive control, which is attached to this page.

Older adults and domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can happen at any age, but it is often under-reported among adults aged 65 and over. Incidents may be attributed to “carer stress”, and it is important that  practitioners apply professional curiosity to explore whether there is a wider pattern or history of abuse.

Starting a conversation can be difficult. Experiential, cultural and social factors may make older people less likely to talk about problems at home, while ageing and increasing care needs can make domestic abuse easier to overlook.

The Hidden Harms animation can help professionals and families begin a sensitive conversation with an older person. It draws on the Power and Control Wheel adapted by Dewis Choice to illustrate older people’s experiences of coercive control by intimate partners and adult family members. The Wheel is based on the lived experiences of more than 90 victim-survivors who engaged with the Dewis Choice Initiative, and the animation was co-created with survivors aged 60 to 93 who are now living free from harm, fear and abuse.

Thank you to Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board for granting permission to adapt the animation for Derbyshire and Derby Safeguarding Adults Boards and the Derbyshire and Derby City Safer Communities Boards.

Derbyshire Constabulary domestic abuse guidance

Derbyshire Constabulary provides guidance on domestic abuse, including clear explanations of what it is, how to identify warning signs, and the steps you can take to report it. Their resources also include details of local and national support organisations that can offer help and advice.

Children and families

The Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership provides information and practical resources to help individuals and professionals understand, prevent, and respond to domestic abuse and violence. Their guidance covers recognising signs of abuse, accessing support services, and promoting safety for children and families affected by these issues.

The Domestic Abuse Handbook has been developed to support practitioners across all agencies in recognising the impact domestic abuse has on children, including unborn babies. It also equips practitioners with the tools, knowledge, and  confidence to respond effectively.