Help and support for domestic abuse

We know it can be difficult to recognise domestic abuse. If you're unsure of the signs, you can find out more on our types of domestic abuse page.

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Specialist domestic abuse support

If you tell us that you are, or have been, a victim of domestic abuse, we will always encourage you to make contact with a specialist domestic abuse service.

See below for a list of local services:

If you are at immediate risk of harm

Contact the Police by:

• Dialling 999 on a phone (if it's not safe to speak, press 55 when prompted)
• By text to 999 (you will need to text 'register' to 999 before doing so)
• Dialling 18000 on a textphone

In a non-emergency situation

• Refuge Hertfordshire Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA) Service: 0300 790 6772 (Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm); hertsidva@refuge.org.uk
• St Albans and Hertsmere Women's Refuge Dacorum Outreach Worker: 07484 934518; dacorumoutreach@sahwr.org.uk
• Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline: 08 088 088 088 (Monday to Friday: 9am to 9pm. Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 4pm); kim@mailpurple.org

If you are worried about your own behaviour or someone close to you

The Chrysalis Centre and Parallel Lives programmes both offer support without judgement. They help those who use abusive behaviours, and their families or loved ones

How we can support you

If you decide to share your experience with us, you can expect:

• To be listened to and treated in a non-judgemental and empathetic manner. We will meet your requests to speak with an employee of the same (or different, as you prefer) gender and/or sexual orientation. We will do this as much as is reasonably possible.
• To be able to discuss your concerns at the time that you make contact, if it is safe and possible for you to do so. Domestic abuse disclosures are treated as a priority. If we need to refer you to someone else, you can expect to speak with a suitable employee within 24 hours at most.
• The Dacorum Borough Council employee/s you speak with will prioritise your safety by asking you whether it is a safe and appropriate time to talk. They will always try to speak with you alone (unless you request otherwise).
• If the employee you tell is in a service area with limited follow-up support, such as the Customer Services Unit, they will arrange for you to talk to an employee from a relevant service area.
• If it is not safe to talk when you make contact, the employee should plan for further discussion at a time and in a way that is safe and suitable for you. For example, they can arrange to meet at a location you both agree on, or continue the conversation later.
• An impartial interpreter can be provided if English is not your first language. We can also help with any other literacy or support needs that may affect your ability to communicate.
• To receive a relevant and supportive response that prioritises your wishes and safety.
• For the Dacorum Borough Council employee/s you speak with to consider any associated safeguarding risks and escalate any concerns through our safeguarding processes, including to any relevant partner agencies where it is necessary and appropriate to do so.

Housing and financial support

Please also contact us if you need housing or financial support because of domestic abuse.

• If you are a Dacorum Borough Council tenant: email tenancy@dacorum.gov.uk or call 01442 228000 and ask to speak with your Tenancy Management Officer
• If you are homeless or likely to become homeless because of domestic abuse: email homelessness.prevention@dacorum.gov.uk or call 01442 228000 and ask to speak with the Homelessness Prevention team.