Domestic abuse

We are proud members of Nottingham's Consent Coalition, which works to improve the understanding of consent and challenge sexual violence in Nottingham. 

We've also signed up to the Chartered Institute of Housing's Make a Stand pledge, which supports people experiencing domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This can include, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse.

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that's used to harm, punish or frighten the victim. This definition includes so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. Victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Domestic abuse can be perpetrated by a partner, an ex-partner, someone acting on behalf of an ex-partner, or a family member of the victim - for example, if an elderly person is being abused. It can also include abuse from children towards parents. We encourage you to report incidents that you either experience or witness.

We will take your complaint seriously, thoroughly investigate it and treat it sensitively throughout. We will interview you somewhere safe within one working day of you reporting something to us. With your permission we may also:    

  • identify your support needs and how these might be met, which may involve support from a person of the same sex, or referring you to a specialist agency such as Women’s Aid or Men’s Advice Line      
  • work with Nottinghamshire Police’s domestic abuse support team
  • refer you to Nottingham City Council’s Sanctuary scheme, which will consider a range of security improvements to allow you to be safe in your home
  • discuss with you the possibility of taking action against the offender.

If you are suffering as a result of domestic abuse, you can report it to us using any of the methods below. In an emergency, dial 999.

Useful links

Women's Aid - 24 hour helpline  - 0808 800 0341

Equation - domestic violence

Men's advice line - for men experiencing domestic violence - 0808 801 0327

Nottingham Consent Coalition - Challenging sexual violence in Nottingham

Broken Rainbow - for gay, bisexual and transgender people -  0300 999 5428

Karma Nirvana - for victims of forced marriage and so-called honour based violence - 0800 599 9247

Topaz Centre - for male and female victims of rape and sexual assault - 0845 600 1588

The Hideout - for young people affected by domestic abuse

UK Says No More - a national campaign to raise awareness to end domestic abuse and sexual violence across the UK