Domestic abuse
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Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.
At Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), we are committed to supporting anyone experiencing abuse.
If you need help, support is available.
Get help now
Call 999 if you are in immediate danger
For non-emergencies, call 101
If you cannot speak:
- Press 55 when prompted
If you use British Sign Language:
- use the 999 BSL service
- or download the 999 BSL app
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can be a single incident or a pattern of behaviour used to control, coerce or threaten someone, often creating fear. It happens in close relationships, including with a partner, ex-partner or family member.
It can include:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Stalking and harassment
Signs of domestic abuse
Abuse can affect anyone and is never acceptable. It can damage your confidence, affect your health and wellbeing, and leave you feeling isolated.
Abusive behaviour may include:
- Being jealous or possessive
- Physically hurting you
- Isolating you from friends and family
- Controlling your life (for example your money, who you see or what you wear)
- Monitoring your movements
- Humiliating or insulting you in front of others
- Criticising you constantly
- Using anger or intimidation to frighten you
- Putting you down or calling you names
Housing support
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need help with your housing situation, contact our Housing Team:
- Phone: 01892 526121
- Email: housingadvice@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
You can also visit us at:
The Amelia Scott
Mount Pleasant Road
Royal Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1AW
Open: Monday to Friday - 9am to 4pm
We can support you with:
- Access to refuge accommodation
- Temporary (interim) accommodation
- Home security improvements through the SAFER scheme, if applicable
Local support services
One Stop Shop
Drop in for confidential domestic abuse support at:
4 New Wharf Road, Tonbridge, TN9 1DS
Wednesdays – 9.30am – 12noon
DAVSS
A specialist domestic abuse service providing advocacy services.
Telephone: 01892 570538
Email: office@davss.org.uk
Visit: davss.org.uk
National support services
Specialist organisations offering support, including “by and for” services:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 24/7 support.
- Ashiana Network: Support for South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women.
- Kiran: Support for women and children from Asian backgrounds.
- Imece: Support for Turkish, Kurdish and Cypriot Turkish women and Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic And Refugee women.
- Karma Nirvana: Support for victims of honour-based violence and forced marriage.
- Southall Black Sisters: Support for Black, African, or Caribbean Women, as well as survivors with no recourse to public funds.
- Latin American Women’s Aid: Support for Latin American Women.
- The Traveler Movement: Support for women from Irish, Gypsy, or Roma Traveler backgrounds experiencing abuse.
- GALOP: Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex survivors.
- Respect Men’s Advice Line: Support for male survivors of Domestic Abuse.
Worried about your own behaviour?
If you are concerned about your behaviour, support is available:
- Community Domestic Abuse Perpetrators Program (CDAP): is designed to help men who feel their behaviour towards their partner has been, or is still, abusive.
- Respect: A support service providing advice and guidance to perpetrators of domestic abuse who need help changing their behaviour.
- Interventions Alliance: Interventions Alliance delivers a variety of one-to-one and group work interventions that work to help people who use abusive or stalking behaviour in their relationships to address the root cause and to make positive changes.