No one should live with or in fear of violence, abuse or intimidation from a partner, ex-partner or someone else in their household.
If you need urgent help, call 999 and ask for the police. If you are worried about being overheard, you can secretly dial 999 and then press 55 when prompted.
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, it’s important to tell someone. Remember that it’s not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help.
What is domestic abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 states behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological, emotional or other abuse
It does not matter whether the behaviour is a single incident or a pattern. It does not need to involve physical violence.
For the definition to apply, the people involved must be aged 16 or over and ‘personally connected’.
How we can help
You can contact HHS on 0300 303 5770 or info@hhs.org.uk to speak to someone if you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse.
- We can meet you in a place you feel safe and you can tell us when and how you want to be contacted
- We will keep information confidential and only share it where necessary to keep you or someone else safe, meet safeguarding duties or comply with the law. Wherever possible, we will discuss this with you first.
- We can show you where to go for help.
- We can work with the police and other organisations to support and help you.
- We can help you get assistance to make your home more secure.
- We’ll keep in touch with you regularly.
- We may be able to refer you for emergency accommodation.
- We will contact you within 1 working day of a report of Domestic Abuse wherever possible.
Help and support
There are lots of organisations that can offer confidential, non-judgemental information and advice on the options available to you, helping you to keep safe and make informed choices.
Domestic Abuse Support Service – 0300 3731073
Cambridge Women’s Resource Centre – 01223 321148
Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre – 01223 245 888
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 8010327
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Worried about someone else?
If you’re worried about a neighbour, friend or family member contact us and let us know. If they’re in immediate danger contact the police on 999.
Our commitment
We are one of more than 400 housing associations that have signed up for the Make a Stand pledge, committing ourselves to taking meaningful action to support anyone affected by domestic abuse.
Created by the Chartered Institute of Housing in collaboration with the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance and Women’s Aid, the Make a Stand pledge encourages housing associations like us to do everything they can to address domestic abuse and provide help to those experiencing it.
By signing up to the pledge we have made a commitment to put the following actions in place:
- Create and embed a policy to support residents who are affected by domestic abuse.
- Make information about national and local domestic abuse support services available on our website.
- Create an HR policy or amend an existing policy to support members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
- Appoint a champion at a senior level in our organisation to oversee activities we’ll be carrying out to support people experiencing domestic abuse.
Find out more about the Make a Stand pledge
Our Domestic Abuse Policy provides a clear framework to deal sensitively with any person involved in an abusive domestic life and to signpost and support those involved to access the specialist services available to help end the abuse.
Click the link to see our Domestic Abuse Policy and other relevant policies: Tenancy and Homes Policies
