We are dedicated and are committed to supporting those affected by any form of domestic violence or abuse. This page gives guidance, support and advice to anyone experiencing this crime.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is defined as violence or abuse, commonly to maintain power and control over a current or former partner in a family or close relationship. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion or background. It can take many forms, ranging from violent physical harm, through to coercive and threatening behaviours, intended to provoke fear , guilt and control over a victim. It can also affect any children living in a household. Most can fall into one of the following types:
– Physical
– Sexual
– Emotional or psychological
– Verbal
– Financial
A number of these types of abuse could be happening at the same time within an intimate relationship.
How can bpha help?
We can offer you support, so please contact us on 0330 100 0272.
We will arrange a private, confidential interview within one working day, and will provide appropriate advice, assistance and support.
If you’ve witnessed or suspect domestic abuse
What should you do if you’ve witnessed, or suspect someone to be the victim of domestic abuse?
- Spot the signs of domestic abuse
- If you think that someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
- Try talking to the victim directly. Listen, believe and support.
- Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for guidance.
- If you have concerns about the welfare of children, call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000
- Do not confront the abuser.
Before you act, go to the Neighbourhood Watch’s Toolkit, for more information and advice on what to do if you suspect someone to be the victim of domestic abuse.
Cover your tracks online
If you’re concerned that someone might be able to see what you’ve been looking at online, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of them seeing your activity.
Private browsing
Most internet browsers will have a ‘private browsing’ mode that will allow you to visit websites and pages without storing the activity on your computer or browsing window.
Internet Explorer: Click on Tools, then Go to Safety – “InPrivate Browsing”.
Firefox: Click the Menu button with three horizontal lines – “New Private Window”.
Chrome: Click the Menu button with three horizontal lines and select “New Incognito Window”.
Safari: Click File > New Private Window
Make sure to also check that any existing activity is deleted.
Delete browser history
You can delete your browser history, removing any trace of the pages and sites you’ve visited, using the following method.
- Click Ctrl+H – will bring up your history
- Find the pages or sites you want to delete
- Select those pages and choose Delete
Click on the links below for more in-depth guidance (off-site)
Google app iPhone/iPad/Android/Computer
These steps can help reduce the risk of someone tracing your activity online, but there are other means of finding it, if you have the right technical knowledge. Consider using a computer in the safety of a local library, internet cafe, friends house or at work for extra safety.
Further reading
Where can I find your Customer Domestic Abuse Policy?
You can read and download our full Customer Domestic Abuse Policy here.
Finding support
Domestic Violence 24 hour free helpline – 0808 2000 247
Report domestic abuse – gov.uk website
For women
Refuge
Telephone: 0808 200 0247
Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
Email: info@refuge.org.uk
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
Women’s Aid
0117 915 7450
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
Rights of Women
020 7251 6575
Email: info@row.org.uk
Website: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors (FLOWS)
Helpline: 0203 745 7707
Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Email: FLOWS@rcjadvice.org.uk
Website: https://www.rcjadvice.org.uk/family/flows-finding-legal-options-for-women-survivors/
Karma Nirvana Supporting victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse,
0800 599 9247
Website: www.karmanirvana.org.uk
Southall Black Sisters Providing advice and support primarily for Asian, African and African-Caribbean women.
Website: www.southallblacksisters.org.uk
For men
Respect – Men’s Advice Line
Helpline: 0808 801 0327
Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 8pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am to 5pm
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
ManKind Initiative
Telephone: 01823 334 244
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
Email: admin@mankind.org.uk
Website: new.mankind.org.uk
SurvivorsUK
Online chat: www.survivorsuk.org/ways-we-can-help/online-helpline/
Text message: 020 3322 1860
WhatsApp: 07491 816064
Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm
Admin: 0203 598 3898
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm
E-mail: info@survivorsuk.org
Website: www.survivorsuk.org
Everyman Project
Helpline: 0203 642 8850
Tuesday and Thursday, 11am to 4.45pm
E-mail: everymanproject@btopenworld.com
Website: www.everymanproject.co.uk.
LGBTQ
Broken Rainbow
Telephone: 0300 999 5428
Website: brokenrainbow.org.uk
Perpetrators
If you recognise that you can be abusive, wish to change for you and your family, there is help available for you. You can learn to recognise your triggers and change the way your respond, change is possible, and help is out there.
A good first step is to search for services on your local council website. Just click on the locations below to access the services on offer in your area:
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Northamptonshire
Oxfordshire
Respect
Telephone: 0808 802 4040 (open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm)
Website: www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Email: info@respectphoneline.org.uk
Webchat: is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 4pm via the website.
Useful resources
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247
If you worry for your immediate safety, call the police on 999
Make yourself heard
If you feel you’re in immediate danger but can’t speak make yourself heard with the silent solution.
- Dial 999
- Listen to the questions from the 999 operator
- Respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can
- If prompted, press 55. This lets the 999 call operator know it’s a genuine emergency and you’ll be put through to the police.
Staying safe during COVID-19 Guide
If you’re worried about the affect that the Coronvirus and self-isolation on your situation, SafeLives have produced a guide to Staying safe during COVID-19.
Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance
We are working towards daha accreditation. To find out more about the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, visit the website dahalliance.org.uk
Proud to be
bpha is the Help to Buy Agent for the Midlands and London. For more information visit www.helptobuyagent2.org.uk
or call 03333 214 044.
