To read more about keeping safe online, visit: Cover your tracks online - Women’s Aid.
The following local services offer advice and support
- Clarion Domestic Abuse Support Line: 07745 207247 or Supported.Housing@clarionhg.com. 10am-2pm Wednesday & Thursday.
- Galop national LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline: 0800 999 5428 or help@galop.org.uk. 9.15am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.
- Homestart Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop: 01303 244836 or hello@homestartshepway.org.uk. 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.
- Men’s Advice Line for male survivors of domestic abuse: 0808 801 0327 or info@mensadviceline.org.uk. 10am-5pm Monday to Friday.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: For referrals of refuge 0808 200 0247 or chat online at: nationaldahelpline.org.uk/chat-to-us-online. 24 hour support.
- Oasis Domestic Abuse Service: 0800 917 9948 or helpline@oasisdaservice.org. 9.30am-11.30am Monday to Friday & 12.30pm-2.30pm Monday to Wednesday.
- Rising Sun Domestic Violence & Abuse Service: 01227 452852 or referrals@risingsunkent.com. 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9276 or kent.da@victimsupport.cjsm.net. 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)
We continue to support this service by providing a significant amount of funding to enable an IDVA to cover the district.
Their main purpose is to address the safety of survivors at high risk of harm from intimate partners, ex-partners or family members to secure their safety and the safety of their children.
Serving as a survivor's primary point of contact, IDVAs normally work with their clients from the point of crisis to assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop safety plans.
The One Stop Shop
The ultimate purpose of the One Stop Shop is to provide accessible support for anyone affected by domestic violence, with professionals from different organisations on hand to offer advice and guidance to those in attendance.
On arrival, service users will be greeted and triaged, to take brief details of what help and advice is required to be able to take them to the relevant representative. In cases where the service user may require advice from more than one organisation, we will try to sit together to offer the relevant advice as a group preventing information having to be repeated from table to table.
It may not be possible to offer immediate solutions but the face-to-face contact is imperative when it comes to such a sensitive subject. Further contact is discussed and agreed and if necessary, direct contact details are handed out.
More information and support
Chayn - Help and resources to identify manipulative situations
Counselling directory - Find the right counsellor or therapist for you
GOV.UK - Report domestic abuse
Hestia Bright Sky app - Support and information for anyone in an abusive relationship
KCC - Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024-2029
Kent & Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership - Domestic abuse support services in Kent & Medway
Refuge - Signs of domestic abuse