Domestic Abuse Support
On this page, you will find key information on where to get support for many different forms of domestic abuse, together with how to report abuse (including discreet methods).
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Reporting domestic abuse - key links
Report domestic abuse to Three Rivers District Council
Reporting domestic abuse to the Police
If you have been the victim of abuse, call 999 in an emergency. If it is not an emergency, call the police on 101.
Get support
**Get support discreetly – online, texting or with silent 999 calls**
For a comprehensive list of support agencies, scroll down this page and click on the links
***During the COVID-19 pandemic***
For some of our residents 'Stay Home' may exacerbate and escalate domestic abuse. A reminder that the Government guidance is very clear that the stay-at-home instruction does not apply if anyone needs to leave their home to escape domestic abuse.
See below for:
Support for different groups of people
Support for specific types of abuse
Further pages:
- Police Disclosure scheme - Clare's Law
- Herts Sunflower J9 - "Community Champions" for Domestic Abuse
- What is Domestic Abuse?
- Other support available for adults
Three Rivers District Council
Support Agencies
Herts Mind Network: Domestic Abuse Caseworker
Confidential individual service for anyone affected by domestic abuse: to listen, offer advice, information and practical help to empower people to enhance safety and well-being. Face to face support is now available and referrals are accepted over the phone on: 01923 727 141 or via dac@hertfordshiremind.org.
During the COVID restrictions: All communication will be via telephone or zoom
Herts Mind Network: Domestic Abuse Prevention Caseworker
A non-judgmental service for anyone who is concerned about their behaviour towards a partner, ex-partner or family member and wants to make a positive change in their behaviour. Face to face support is now available and referrals are accepted over the phone on: 01923 727 141 or via dacp@hertfordshiremind.org
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Three Rivers District Council also has a support service for high-risk victims of domestic abuse. The IDVA works with clients to support them with personal safety, security, housing, civil remedies and criminal law. This service is independent and therefore the Police do not have to be involved. The service is free, confidential and non-judgmental.
Support is available and referrals are accepted over the phone and email:
Phone: 01923 727231 / 0300 790 6772 (main office)
Email: herts.idva@refuge.cjsm.net or hertsidva@refuge.org.uk
If you are worried about a loved one, or about isolating with a perpetrator, please call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or contact the Helpline via Refuge’s contact form.
During the COVID restrictions: Open as usual. Bank Holidays will have an 'on call' system
Local Independent Charities
Provides domestic abuse support & therapies for women, career advice, education and skills development, in order to empower them to be independent, productive and healthy. Whilst the office remains closed they continue to offer 1:1 phone support.
For help and support call 01923 816 229.
What they offer
As well as the newly launched My Ally, Watford Women's Centre is also remotely delivering My Life Domestic Abuse Programmes and workshops (see flyer below) and have a specialist BAME DA worker, Martha. They can book FREE Family and Immigration Law solicitor appts via phone or Zoom every week and offer low cost, long term remote counselling . Also a range of ESOL, ICT, Personal Development and Back to Work remotely run courses. For a full list of personal development courses, see the flyer below
my-life-remote-workshop-a5-flyer-002-.docx (docx)
summer-personal-development-courses-a4-2-.pdf (pdf)
flyer-my-ally-1-april-print.pdf (pdf)
SaferPlaces is an independent charity, which provides a comprehensive range of services to men, women and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse and stalking.
They offer outreach and refuge over Hertfordshire and Essex. They also have a specialist stalking advocacy service, providing support for stalking victims in Hertfordshire. Currently, the support provided is over the phone and programs and counselling are provided virtually. They have recently launched a web chat on their website and offer phone services 24/7.
To make a referral or get advice, please call 03301 025811.
Alternatively, you can find more information about services and make a referral online via the website
During the COVID restrictions: Open 24/7, including refuge admission, if space available
Hertfordshire Support
Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline
A confidential, anonymous support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse.
FREEPHONE 08 088 088 088 Monday to Friday 9am-9pm, Weekends 9am - 4pm.
Confidential email: kim@mailpurple.org
The Helpline ordinarily operates a drop-in service, in partnership with JKC Lawyers, Watford, which is temporarily closed owing to Covid-19.
JKC also operates a 24 hour Domestic Abuse confidential legal helpline - 0203 9355 999.
Has information for victims, perpetrators and children affected by abuse, as well as information for people who have concerns or would like to learn more about which signs to spot.
Hertfordshire’s support and services for victims of all types of crime.
Tel: 03000 115 555
Email: info@hertfordshirebeacon.org
National Support
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic abuse, regardless of their financial circumstances. 0800 970 2070
A national charity, running live chat, email support and forums
An independent charity, to ensure people get the support needed if they have been affected by a crime. 0808 1689 111.
Support for different groups of people
Action on Elder Abuse A national charity working to end harm, abuse and exploitation of older people. Their helpline provides support for older people experiencing domestic abuse 0808 808 8141
SignHealth A specialist Domestic Abuse service for the Deaf. Text 88802 with the message: 121SIGN
Male Advice Line (Respect) Provides advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse 0808 801 0327
Mankind Provides a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and offers emotional support and practical information 01823 334 244
Galop The National LGBT+ helpline for domestic abuse and sexual violence. Galop also provides information on hate crime, and support those who have questions about the criminal justice system. 0800 999 5428
Support for specific types of abuse
Sexual Assault Referral Centre Provide individual support to people who have been sexually assaulted of raped. 0808 178 4448
National Stalking Helpline Provides information, support and advice to those experiencing stalking or harassment. 0808 802 0300
Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (Safer Places) One to one advice and advocacy to victims of stalking. 03301 025 811
Karma Nirvana Provides a range of support and resources for those experiencing Honour Based Abuse or Forced Marriage 0800 5999 247
Daughters of Eve support those with concerns or questions about Female Genital Mutilation. You can send a message through their website or text on: 07983 030 488
Housing support
If you are looking for emergency housing in order to escape from domestic abuse you can contact our Housing Needs Team on 01923 776611 or e-mail: enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk
Leaflet
Below is a leaflet that has been produced to help raise awareness of the local help which is available for those experiencing Domestic Abuse. The leaflet contains a list of useful contact numbers.
Please contact the Community Safety Team at Three Rivers District Council (01923 776611) for hard copies
trdc-da-support-leaflet-2021-final.pdf (pdf)