I need help for myself or someone else

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people aged 16 or over, who are ‘personally connected’. This includes current or ex-partners or family members.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse. This is true regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.

Domestic abuse is not always physical.  Behaviour is abusive if it includes any of the following:

• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Violent or threatening behaviour.
• Controlling or coercive behaviour.
• Economic abuse.
• Psychological, emotional or other abuse.

For more information, please see the Women's Aid website.

If you are in danger and need to call the police but cannot speak or make a sound, you can still get help.  This is called the Silent Solution.  

Safe Spaces are private rooms in places such as pharmacies and banks. You simply walk in and ask to use their safe space and staff will guide you to a quiet, confidential room. 

Inside, you can take a moment to breathe, contact someone you trust or reach out to specialist support safely and discreetly. 

Find your nearest Safe Space Safe Spaces Locations.

The charity is the local specialist domestic abuse service for adults and children experiencing domestic abuse in RBWM. They provide confidential local support (1:1 and group work) and can discuss your situation or a referral.

To speak to someone in confidence, or to discuss a referral, phone the Dash Charity helpline on 01753 549865 (Monday-Thursday 9.30am - 3pm and Fridays 9.30am - 12noon) or email referrals@thedashcharity.org.uk.

The Dash Charity’s Advocacy and Outreach Team provide specialist advice and support for women and men experiencing domestic abuse. 

Support includes:

• safety planning, 
• support through the criminal justice system, 
• access to legal advice, 
• help with financial advice and debt management, 
• advice on rights, 
• options and choices for the future, 
• access to counselling, 
• emotional support and other health needs, 
• help to recognise risk, 
• understand about unhealthy relationships and recognise warning signs for future relationships.

Specialist children’s practitioners provide bespoke support to children staying in the Dash Charity’s refuges as well as within the community. 

An eight week programme of one to one support, provide children with a non-judgemental space to express themselves and their emotions, along with tools to talk, reflect, learn, recover and develop their own strength and resilience.

The Dash Charity also offer a Schools Prevention Programme, for children and young people to provide education and awareness through healthy relationship workshops in schools and youth settings. For more information, email info@thedashcharity.org.uk. 

The Dash Charity run three refuges for women and children across Berkshire.  Each refuge has private bedrooms and shared facilities for families and individuals fleeing domestic abuse.

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare’s Law allows the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. It means they can provide information that helps protect people at risk and prevent further crimes.

Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application. 

Our RBWM libraries offer a wide range of books and information.

If you are concerned about someone else, you can contact the Dash Charity for advice.  National organisations also provide specialist guidance for those supporting others. 

The Hollie Gazzard Trust has produced a useful guide for people who think their friend, relative, neighbour or colleague may be in an abusive relationship.

Women’s Aid have a handbook for friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues of survivors. It provides practical support and information for anyone worried about someone in their lives. 

Below are a list of trusted organisations that provide helplines, specialist support or advice. All are free and confidential. 

• Women’s Aid – information and safety planning for women.
• Refuge/ 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline 0808 2000 247.
• Men’s Advice Line –advice and support for men 0808 8010327.
• Galop - LGBT+ domestic abuse and violence support 0800 999 5428.
• Karma Nirvana – supporting victims of honour based abuse and forced marriage 0800 5999 247.
• Forced Marriage Unit – government help for anyone at risk of forced marriage.
• National Stalking Helpline (Suzy Lamplugh Trust) – advice and support for anyone experiencing stalking 0808 802 0300.
• Victims First – advice and support for victims and witnesses of crime across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 0300 1234 148.
• RBWM Safeguarding Partnership.
• FLAGDV - free, confidential family law advice and court support for adults affected by domestic abuse in the Thames Valley.