Domestic abuse and sexual violence support
If you or someone else are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
Contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 if you think a crime has been committed but there is no immediate danger.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service on 18001 101.
Calling 999- If you’re unable to speak
On a mobile
If you can’t speak but the operator hears something suspicious, they’ll connect you to a police call handler.
If you can make some noise, for example cough, whisper or tap the handset, the operator will connect you to the police.
If you can’t speak, and the operator can’t tell what service you need, they’ll transfer you to the Silent Solution system. This runs a 20 second automated message that will ask you to press 55 to be put through to the police.
This does not allow the police to track your location.
On a landline
If you can’t speak and the operator can hear only background noise, they’ll connect your call to the police.
Getting help and support
In the below sections you can find information on local and national domestic abuse and sexual violence support services. Also information on support services for children and young people.
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing domestic abuse, there are many organisations in Nottinghamshire who can help and support you.
Where possible, services will support people experiencing domestic abuse to remain in their home where it is safe to do so, and the perpetrator should be the one to leave.
Nottinghamshire Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour free helpline: 0808 800 0340
This helpline is for all women, teenagers and children in Nottinghamshire affected by domestic abuse. It is run by Juno Women’s Aid.
Juno Women's Aid
Juno Women's Aid provides a wide range of services and support for women, teenagers and children affected by domestic abuse in Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling, Rushcliffe and Nottingham City, including access to refuge accommodation. Translation and interpretation services are available.
They have a 24-hour free helpline: 0808 800 0340
For the Deaf and hearing impaired: Text Relay/NGT: 18001 0808 800 0340 (24 hours a day)
Visit the Juno Women's Aid website
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid
Nottinghamshire Women's Aid provides a wide range of services and support for women, teenagers and children affected by domestic abuse in Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark & Sherwood, including access to refuge accommodation. Translation and interpretation services are available.
They have a 24-hour free helpline: 0808 800 0340
Visit the Nottinghamshire Women's Aid website
Equation
Equation provides support for men, women, LGBTQ+, children and young people across Nottinghamshire, who are experiencing domestic abuse. A range of valuable resources are available on their website.
Phone: 0800 995 6999 Monday to Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm (until 7:30pm on Wednesday).
A confidential answerphone is available outside these times.
Email: helpline@equation.org.uk Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm.
Access support online using their online referral form including self-referrals.
Sometimes it’s easier to speak to an organisation that isn’t local, and to someone you may never meet in person.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free helpline is for women and girls, available 24 hours a day: 0808 2000 247
They also have a Live Chat service Monday to Friday 10.00am – 10.00pm
Visit the National Domestic Abuse Helpline website
National Men's Advice Line
The National Men's Advice Line is a service for men experiencing domestic abuse and is run by Respect.
Freephone: 0808 801 0327 Monday to Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Visit the Men's Advice Line website
Galop
Galop runs the national LGBT+ domestic violence helpline.
Phone: 0800 999 5428
Monday to Thursday 10.00am – 8:30pm
Friday 10.00am – 4:30pm
Karma Nirvana
Karma Nirvana provides support to victims of honour-based abuse, forced marriage or domestic abuse.
Phone: 0800 5999 9247 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm
Visit the Karma Nirvana website
Refuge
Refuge provides specialist support to women, children and some men escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence.
They have a 24-hour free helpline: 0808 2000 247
Women's Aid England
Women's Aid England provides domestic violence support for women, children and young people.
They have a Live Chat service
Monday to Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10.00am – 6.00pm
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Visit Women's Aid England website
Respect
Respect runs a national perpetrator’s helpline. The helpline also takes calls from (ex)partners, friends and relatives who are concerned about perpetrators.
Phone: 0808 802 4040 Monday to Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm
If you’ve been sexually abused, harassed or assaulted, it’s important to remember that it was not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help.
Topaz Centre
Topaz Centre is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) which offers free support and practical help to anyone in Nottinghamshire who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.
They have a 24-hour free helpline: 0330 223 0099
Visit the Topaz Centre website
Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Services (formerly Nottingham Rape Crisis)
The Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Service provides a wide range of services, including practical and emotional support for people aged 13 and over who are victims or survivors of sexual violence.
Helpline: 0115 941 0440
Monday to Friday 10.00am – 1.00pm reopens at 4:30pm until 7:30pm
Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Visit the Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Services website
East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service (EMCYPSAS)
The EMCYPSAS offers practical help and support to children and young people aged under 18 who have been sexually assaulted or raped.
They have a free 24-hour advice line: 0800 183 0023
Visit the East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service website
SHE UK
SHE UK provides counselling and group therapy for adult, female sexual violence victims and survivors in Nottinghamshire.
Phone: 01623 622 916
If you’re worried that a child or young person may be affected by domestic abuse, there are services you can contact for support. These services can also be used by young people who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Childline
Childline provides help and support to children and young people.
They have a free 24-hour helpline: 0800 1111
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
NSPCC provides advice and support for anyone with concerns about a child.
They have a free helpline: 0800 800 5000 Monday to Friday 10.00am – 8.00pm
Hear people’s experiences of domestic abuse and how they have received support from organisations in Nottinghamshire.
What is domestic abuse?
Anyone can experience domestic abuse regardless of age, race, sex, gender identity, religion, background, or ethnicity. It is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it.
Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship, usually by a partner, ex-partner, or family member.
There are many types of domestic abuse including psychological/emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and online abuse.
You can learn more about domestic abuse and how to recognise it by visiting national websites, including Women's Aid England and Refuge, as well as, those of Nottinghamshire organisations including Juno Women's Aid, Nottinghamshire Women's Aid and Equation.
Information for professionals
If you would like to develop your professional skills in responding to domestic abuse and sexual violence, you can access free training delivered by Equation if you are working in Nottinghamshire County or City.
Please visit Nottinghamshire Insight if you would like to learn more about how we are working to support survivors and their families rebuild their lives and hold perpetrators to account.
