Domestic Abuse is a criminal offence
You have the right to feel safe in your home which is why we take any report of domestic abuse or violence extremely seriously. Domestic Abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Don’t just sit back, report it.
If you are worried about anyone, please contact us or see the list of specialist services here or contact mhs homes on 01634 565333 (9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday).
Your safety is priority. If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 999 and ask for the police.
How to get help and support if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse
If you're in immediate danger
Call 999 immediately if you or someone you know is in danger.
If you need the police but can't speak
If you're in danger and unable to talk on the phone, listen to the questions from the operator and if possible respond by coughing or tapping the head set.
On a mobile you may be prompted to press 55, this will transfer your call to the police.
On a landline if only background noise can be heard and operators cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, then you will be connected to a police call handler.
If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again.
When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.
If you're not in immediate danger
If someone isn't in immediate danger and needs help, contact the police on 101.
Support services for domestic abuse
This is a list of organisations you can get in touch with for support.
Domestic abuse support services in Kent and Medway
Domestic abuse services website
Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop
Sunlight Centre, Richmond Road, Gillingham
Every Tuesday - 9.30am - 12noon (no appointment needed)
Choices - Providing specialist domestic abuse services
Choices website
Helpline 0800 917 9948
Email: info@choicesdaservice.org.uk
Medway Council
Report adult abuse
Medway Council website
Call 01634 334466 (8:30am - 5pm). Outside of these hours call 03000 419 191.
Report concern about a child
Medway Council website
If you think the child is at immediate risk of harm call straightaway on 01634 334 466 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm outside of these hours call 03000 419 191.
Oasis Domestic Abuse Service
Oasis Domestic Abuse Service is a charity that helps adults, children and young people in Kent and Medway build a safe, positive future free from harm.
Oasis Domestic Abuse Service website
Call: 0800 917 9948 (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am – 11.30am, 12.30 – 2.30pm;
Thursday and Friday 9.30am – 11.30am).
Outside of these hours call 0808 2000 247
Kent County Council
Concerned about an adult?
Kent County Council website
Call 03000 41 61 61 (text relay 18001 03000 41 61 61)
Email social.services@kent.gov.uk
Concerned about a child?
Kent County Council website
Call 03000 41 11 11 (text relay 18001 03000 41 11 11)
Email social.services@kent.gov.uk
Kent Police
Kent Police website
Report domestic abuse to Kent Police online or call them on 101.
If you're in immediate danger call 999 immediately.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.
You can be abused by anyone who is over 16 years old with whom you have a relationship with.
Domestic abuse is not just about hurting someone physically or sexually. Domestic abuse can take many forms, some of which can be hidden and not easy to recognise. mhs homes understand the list below is not exhaustive and every individual case of domestic abuse is unique.
