Resources for doctors and HCPs experiencing domestic abuse

Specialist Support

Multiple specialist organisation exist to assist with specific types of abuse and are listed on the government website. We've listed the largest organisations with resources below:

• Women’s Aid
  • The Survivor Handbook
  • Making a safety plan
  • The Friends and Family Handbook
  • Find local support near you
• Refuge
  • What are my rights?
• Victim Support
• National Centre for Domestic Violence (emergency injunction service)
• The Freedom Programme

Financial Support

• Royal Medical Benevolent Fund
• The Domestic abuse fund for nurses and midwives
• The Cameron Fund (GPs)

Bright Sky app

Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.

The app can be downloaded for free from the app stores. Only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isn’t being monitored.

Clare’s Law

If you are concerned that a new, former or existing partner has an abusive past you can ask the police to check under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as ‘Clare’s Law’). This is your ‘right to ask’. If records show that you may be at risk of domestic abuse, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member, you can apply for a disclosure on behalf of someone you know. More info here

Get a court order to protect you or your child

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse you can apply for a court order or injunction to protect yourself or your child from:

• your current or previous partner
• a family member
• someone you currently or previously lived with

This is called a non-molestation or occupation order.

Get a non-molestation or occupation order if you’ve been the victim of domestic abuse.

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces are safe, confidential rooms where victims can take some time to reflect, access information on specialist support services or call friends or family.

Helplines

If you want to access support over the phone, you can call:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge) (Please note wait times can be over an hour)
Aanchal Women's Aid 0800 0124 924 (available English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, Bengali)
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available

Locations specific, free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day.