Domestic Abuse

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.

There are different kinds of abuse that can happen in different contexts. The most prevalent type of domestic abuse occurs in relationships. But the definition of domestic abuse also covers abuse between family members, such as adolescent to parent violence and abuse.

If you recognise yourself or someone you know in the following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, reach out. There is help available.

Useful Contacts:

For advice and information on services available in Kent and Medway for victims, friends and family, and perpetrators of domestic abuse, visit the Domestic Abuse Support Services website at https://www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk/ 

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAW) www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk

Carers Direct

Carers Direct is for anyone who is looking after a family member who is ill or disabled or needs special help. It is part of the NHS website and offers information and advice.

There is a phone number you can call to talk to someone on 0808 802 0202

https://www.carersdirect.org/

Family Lives

Family Lives offer a listening and supportive, non-judgemental service for parents. They have a lot of information on their website, including parenting advice videos and forums to chat to other families. They offer online parenting courses too for those wanting to be prepared for parenthood.

You can visit their website on www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/confidential-helpline  

Alternatively you can call their helpline on 0808 800 2222 for information, advice, guidance and support between 9am-9pm Monday to Friday or 10am-3pm at the weekend.

FGM  

FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) covers all procedures that intentionally alter/injure the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. All teachers have a mandatory responsibility to report any known case of FGM to the police.

If you believe a child is at risk or has been a victim of FGM then call 01452 426565 or use the NSPCC FGM helpline:

NSPCC FGM Helpline 24 hours Tel: 0800 028 3550

www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/confidential-helpline

Prevent Strategy

Prevent is designed to support people at risk of joining extremist groups and carrying out terrorist activities.

In practice it aims for police and other organisations to build relations across the UK and requires faith leaders, teachers, doctors and others to refer any suspicions about people to a local Prevent Body. An assessment is then made about whether further action is needed.

Prevent review (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit

If you see any content online related to terrorism, you can report it anonymously to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU).

https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism

Gangs

Childline offers a wide range of resources covering the following subjects:

What is a gang?
Why do people join gangs?
Gangs and the law
How can I leave a gang?
How can I help someone in a gang?
I’m scared of gangs, what can I do?

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/crime-law/gangs/

Discrimination

The following websites offer a range of information around discrimination.

Anne Frank Trust: www.annefrank.org.uk

Kick it Out: www.kickitout.org

Report it: www.report-it.org.uk

Stop Hate: www.stophateuk.org

Tell Mama: www.tellmamauk.org

Educate against Hate: www.educateagainsthate.com

Show Racism the Red Card: https://www.theredcard.org/