Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse does not always involve physical violence and sometimes victims may not recognise that they are experiencing abuse.
Emergency Contact
Please contact your local police on the non-emergency number 101 if you are concerned about your own safety, or the safety of someone else.
If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the operator. If you can, respond to the operator by coughing or tapping on the handset. If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard and this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.
Signs of Domestic Abuse to look out for
There are signs you can look out for to spot domestic abuse if you suspect you or someone else you know is suffering:
- Being withdrawn or being isolated from family and friends
- Having bruises, burns or bite marks
- Having finances controlled or not being given enough to buy food or pay bills
- Not being allowed to leave the house or stopped from going to college or work
- Having your internet or social media use monitored or someone else regularly reading your texts, emails or letters
- Being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
- Being pressured into sex
- Being told that abuse is your fault or that you’re overreacting
Get help if you or someone you know is a victim
Clare's Law
You have a 'right to ask' for information from the police under Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, if:
- You believe your partner may pose a risk to you
- You believe the partner of a close friend or family member may pose a risk to them
When you make a request to the scheme, the police check their records for any previous convictions held by the individual in question. If these records show a history of abuse or violent offences, they will consider whether to share this information with you. If the police do decide to share information, they will do so in a face-to-face meeting.
You can make an application on the Herts Police website or by calling 101.
