What is it?
Domestic abuse is defined as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between persons who are 16 and over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. Domestic violence can affect both women and men and can occur in same sex relationships. It can be psychological in nature, physical, sexual, financial or emotional and can be repeated, random or habitual and is used to control a partner. No-one needs to accept this type of behaviour which can have devastating consequences for you and other family members. Help and support is available.
What should I do?
Victims of domestic abuse are particularly vulnerable and often frightened about seeking help but you do not need to face this abuse alone – there is help and protection available. If you are experiencing abuse of any kind please report it. If you are unsure whether or not you are being abused, you could talk to someone, such as a doctor, the police, someone you trust, a member of your family or a work colleague. Whatever your situation, there are a number of organisations who can support you and provide practical help to ensure your safety and recovery. You can always get advice from these specialists.
Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN)
A DVPN is an emergency non-molestation and eviction notice which can be issued by the police, when attending to a domestic abuse incident, to a perpetrator. Because the DVPN is a police-issued notice, it is effective from the time of issue, thereby giving the victim the immediate support they require in such a situation. Within 48 hours of the DVPN being served on the perpetrator, an application for a DVPO may then be made by the police to the magistrates’ court.
Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)
A DVPO can prevent the perpetrator from returning to a residence and from having contact with the victim for up to 28 days. This allows the victim a degree of breathing space to consider their options with the help of a support agency. Both the DVPN and DVPO contain a condition prohibiting the perpetrator from bothering the victim.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA)
The main purpose of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) is to address the safety of victims at high risk of harm. They serve as a victim’s primary point of contact, and normally work with victims from the point of crisis to assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop safety plans. IDVA’s are pro-active in implementing the plans, which address immediate safety, including practical steps to protect themselves and their children, as well as longer-term solutions. These plans will include actions from the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference as well as sanctions and remedies available through the criminal and civil courts, housing options and services available through other organisations.
How to report it?
In an emergency situation, always dial 999 for help. If you want to report an incident of domestic violence or ongoing abuse involving you or someone close to you call the non-urgent police number on 101. There are people specifically trained to help protect you and your family. Alternatively you can access any of the organisations listed below without needing to report to the police.
Where to get help?
There are a multitude of organisations and helplines in Derbyshire and nationally to help victims of domestic violence including women, men and children. Many organisations both locally and nationally offer refuge for those affected by domestic abuse, if you would like to know about these services please click here to visit our Shelter and Accommodation page.
Commissioned Providers
The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 provides powers for the Police and Crime Commissioner to award grants to any organisation or body he considers will support the community safety priorities within his police and crime plan, such as tackling drugs and crime, reducing re-offending and providing support for victims and witnesses.
Refuge
As from the 1st of April 2016 Refuge will be a commissioned provider of services to people experiencing domestic violence in the city. The service provides free confidential, non-judgemental and independent support and advice for both men and women living in Derby City. Referrals to this service can be made by yourself, friends, family and professionals as long as they have your consent. Refuge also offer refuge, outreach and resettlement support to women and children who have experienced domestic violence, stalking, honour based violence, trafficking, forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. For further information about this service please see the contact details below.
Glow
As from the 30th September 2019 Glow will be delivering the Derby City Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Service.
The IDVA Service is independent of any agency and the role of the specialist service is to provide time limited dedicated support to males and females aged 16 and over, who are at high risk of domestic related homicide or serious harm. The IDVA will support high risk victims through the civil and criminal justice system and assist in accessing service provision such as housing, health, and finance. They will liaise with agencies from the statutory and voluntary sector to ensure that a multi-agency approach is taken to ensure the victim’s safety
Referrals to the service will come via referrals to MARAC from statutory agencies, criminal justice system and third sector support services in the usual way.
Please note that this service is for high risk/MARAC victims only.
Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Service
As from the 1st of April 2016 Derbyshire Domestic Abuse service will be the commissioned help line provider of services to anyone experiencing domestic violence in the county (there are separate services for victims in the City). Through Derbyshire Domestic Abuse service you can access a whole range of support services provided by a number of different local organisations. These organisations offer a personalised support service, which can help with safety plans, the court process, refuges, counselling, Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs). For more information please see the contact details below.
08000 198 668 (for deaf and hearing impaired please call: 07534617252)
Below are a list of other organisations that can also support those affected by domestic abuse
Ask for ANI
If you are suffering domestic abuse, you can also get help by going to a local pharmacy participating in the Ask for ANI (Assistance Needed Immediately) initiative.
Enter the pharmacy, approach the counter and ask for ANI. The staff member will then check with you that you wish to speak to ANI, and escort you to a private area to give you space to access support services, or report the abuse. You can make this call yourself, or you can ask the staff member to make a call on your behalf.
You can look out for the ask for ANI poster in the pharmacy window, which will indicate their participation. For more information about the initiative, visit the government website.