Domestic abuse

A review by Public Health England in 2015 confirmed that people with disabilities are more vulnerable to domestic violence and experience it for longer periods of time, often with more severe and frequent abuse than non-disabled people with differing dynamics which may include;

more severe coercion, control or abuse from carers. Abuse can also happen when someone withholds, destroys or manipulates medical equipment, access to communication, medication, personal care, meals and transportation.

Immediate guidance and support 

If you are in immediate danger you should contact the police on 999.

• If you are unable to talk on the phone but are in immediate danger, dial 999 from your mobile and then press 55 - the police can assist you without the need to talk though their Silent Solution System.

• If you are not in any immediate danger but want to record an incident, you call Thames Valley Police on 101
• If you are worried about causing harm to the ones you love you can contact the respect phone line: 0808 802 4040

If you think you or a friend are being abused:

• check the warning signs by visiting the reducing the risk website and speak to someone you trust
• the Women's Aid Survivors Handbook provides practical support, simple guidance and information for disabled women experiencing domestic abuse.
• record incidents, get advice and support by downloading the Bright Sky app
• receive a level of protection if you are experiencing domestic abuse or have left an abusive relationship by downloading the Holliguard app
• see if a new or existing partner poses a risk to you, a close friend or family member through the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), often called ‘Clare’s Law’ – the DVDS gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them and make an application to the Thames Valley Police.

Support Services

• Ann Craft Trust -  Service dedicated to key issues affecting adults and young people at risk including forced marriage, financial abuse, sexual exploitation and disability hate crime.
• Sign Health – specialist support for deaf people, working in conjunction with 61 - Deaf Hope to provide domestic abuse support - text: 07966 976749
• Thames Valley Police Visual Impairment Service – A protocol that provides better security for a visually impaired person to identify if a person is a police officer at their door.

For more support services, please visit our support for victims webpage.