Domestic abuse is a crime and occurs across all of society, it can happen to anyone. It can include physical violence, sexual assault and rape, verbal abuse, humiliation, not allowing people to see family and friends, threats to take away children, stalking, and denial of medical care and threat of deportation.
People experiencing domestic abuse are not to blame the only person to blame is the one committing the acts. The people affected have the right to live free from abuse.
Domestic abuse is a crime but it is common. The police will take complaints of domestic abuse seriously as should health services.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and would like advice, information or just someone to listen, these services are available to help:
Local
Choices and Options
01709 838400
Is a confidential support service that offers advice to victims experiencing domestic abuse, we provide support and information around domestic abuse, this will help you make informed choices about the safety of yourself and your children.
Apna Haq
01709 519211 / 01709 519212
Apna Haq provides confidential, one to one support for Asian women and their children who are experiencing violence in the home.
They are involved in inter-agency case working allowing us to help Asian women via social services, the police and other agencies as well as being sought out by these agencies to help Asian women in distress.
Rotherham Women’s Refuge
0870 8502247
Rotherham Women’s Refuge (RWR) has been established since 1976 as a local charity that provides a range of support services for women and children who have been affected by domestic violence and abuse.
RWR also participates in a range of multi-agency networks raising awareness of domestic violence and the impact on women, children and young people with the hope of influencing the development and implementation of strategy, policy and services as well as delivering a range of initiatives that seek to prevent domestic violence/abuse occurring in the first instance with children & young people, adults, communities and professionals.
Rotherham Women’s Counselling Service (RWCS)
01709 835482
RWCS believe that any form of violence towards women is an abuse. They offer free, accessible, confidential and high quality counseling to women who have experienced violence or abuse.
South Yorkshire Police
In an Emergency 999, other enquiries: 0114 220 2020, Police Domestic Violence Officers (9am to 5pm) 01709 832670 or 832671
Victim Support
01709 361076
Victim Support gives free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected.
Samaritans
01709 361717
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't bottle it up. We are here for you if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to someone.
National
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Freephone 24 Hour - 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
For Children and young people
The Hide Out
Children and young people can be affected by domestic abuse too. You may witness the abuse or be caught up in it. The Hide Out website is for young people to help them understand what domestic abuse is and what can be done to take positive action.
Rotherham Youth Start
01709 820100
For anyone aged 11-25
Risky Business
01709 515423
Advice and support for girls and young women at risk of sexual exploitation
ChildLine
0808 8007070
NSPCC / Runaway Helpline
Teen abuse videos
Young people may experience domestic abuse within their own boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. Recognise the signs of abuse and understand the consequences of your actions.
Last reviewed: 05/09/2012