Advice for people affected by domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is a crime. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It is any type of abuse from someone you have (or have had) a relationship with, including emotional, sexual or mental abuse.

Abusive behaviour includes acting in a controlling, coercive or threatening manner; typical actions might include taking your money, stopping you seeing your friends and family, or threatening your children or pets.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone.

• Read the Home Office's guidance on domestic violence and abuse
• Read Disrespect Nobody’s guidance on spotting the signs of relationship abuse
• Read Refuge’s advice about planning to leave home

There are a number of things you can do to hide your internet use: read about how to cover your tracks online.

Where to find help

Our Housing Advice Service can help if you are living with domestic abuse.

We can help you prepare to leave and find a refuge, or we can help you secure your home so you can stay there safely.

We can advise on tenancy issues – including occupation orders, joint tenancies and homelessness – and can put you in touch with other organisations (some of which are listed below) that provide support and legal advice.

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Partnership maintains a domestic violence directory with contact details of organisations that can help you or someone you know who is being affected by domestic violence.

The following websites also provide information, advice and support to people affected by domestic violence. Most have a telephone helpline.

• Cambridge Rape Crisis
• Cambridge Women’s Aid
• Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Partnership
• Childline
• Discrimination and harassment
• Domestic Abuse National Helpline
• Equation (for hearing-impaired women)
• Galop (for LGBT+ people)
• Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) Service
• Karma Nirvana (for victims of honour crimes and forced marriages)
• Men’s Advice Line
• Muslim Women’s Network UK
• National Stalking Helpline
• Refuge (for women)
• Respect
• The Bobby Scheme (for home security)
• Trafficking

The county council provides information about female genital mutilation (FGM).

Legal advice is available from several sources, including:

• Cambridge Citizens Advice Bureau
• Resolution Cambridge and West Suffolk branch 
• The National Centre for Domestic Violence

White Ribbon

Cambridge City Council achieved White Ribbon status in 2015. Visit the White Ribbon campaign website to find out more.