Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is very common; approximately 1.3 million women suffer abuse in some form every year. Often women experience more than one type of abuse which have a wide range of effects on both physical and mental wellbeing. If not addressed this can have long term health consequences.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is not always physical violence . It can also be:

  • coercive control (this is an act or a pattern of acts of assualt, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim)
  • economic abuse (financial abuse involves a perpetrator using or misusing money which limits and controls their partner's current and future actions and their freedom of choice)
  • online abuse
  • threats and intimidation
  • emotional abuse
  • sexual abuse

Pregnancy can trigger an increase in the frequency and intensity of abuse and many women will experience it for the first time during their pregnancy.

We know that people suffering abuse often want help but feel they cannot speak out; this is why all health care staff have been trained to ask you about your relationship and if you feel safe at home. Midwives, GP’s and Health visitors will support you and your family offering advice and referral to a specialist worker if this is needed. They will not make decisions for you but can offer guidance and information so that you can move forward together and keep yourself safe.

Household isolation restrictions as a result of coronavirus do not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.

Please speak to your midwife if you need any support or call one of the help line numbers in the box below.

If you live in Barnsley:

If you live in Bassetlaw:

  • Nottinghamshire Women's Aid: 01909 533610
  • Nottinghamshire Domestic Abuse 24 hour Helpline: 0808 800 0340
  • Notts HelpYourself

  • Nottingham City Council:Telephone number 0300 500 8080, email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk

The Early Help Unit can be contacted on 0115 804 1248 (Parents & Professionals) or by email at early.help@nottscc.gov.uk

If you live in Doncaster:

If you live in Rotherham:

  • Apna Haq exists to support black and minority ethnic (BME) women and girls in Rotherham, South Yorkshire who are experiencing any form of violence. Tel: 01709 519212
    info@apnahaq.org.uk 
  • Rotherham Abuse Counselling Service: 

    01709 835482
    info@rothacs.org.uk

  • Rotherham Women's Refuge: Accommodation service: 0870 850 2247
    All other services: 0844 225 4411 enquiries@rothwr.co.uk

  • Rotherham Rise: Confidential advice line: 0330 202 0571
    Accommodation services: 0870 850 2247
    enquiries@rotherhamrise.org.uk

If you live in Sheffield: 

Free helpline open 24 hours a day.

Telephone number: 0808 2000 247

For more information, please click here.