Get domestic abuse support
Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. At TMBC, we are committed to supporting anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
The Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Partnership can support anyone experiencing domestic abuse to get help. See Community Safety Partnership.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can be a single incident, or a pattern of behaviour used to exert power and control over another person, often creating fear. It occurs within close relationships, such as with a partner, ex-partner, or family member. It can include:
- physical or sexual abuse.
- violent or threatening behaviour.
- controlling or coercive behaviour.
- economic abuse.
- psychological, emotional or other abuse.
- stalking and harassment.
See our resident domestic abuse support policy.
Signs of domestic abuse
Abuse in a relationship can happen to anyone and it's never acceptable. It can destroy your self-confidence, have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing and leave you feeling isolated and lonely. Here are some signs that you may be in an abusive relationship, they may:
- be jealous and possessive
- cut you off from family and friends and try to isolate you
- control you - for example, your money, who you should see, what you should wear
- monitor your movements
- humiliate or insult you in front of others
- constantly criticise you
- use anger and intimidation to frighten you and make you comply with their demands
- put you down, calling you names or saying you are not good enough
Housing assistance
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and want advice and assistance regarding your housing situation, please contact the Housing Needs team on 01732 844522 or by email to housing.services@tmbc.gov.uk. Our team can provide advice and support on your housing options, this could include:
- Support to access a refuge
- Referral to SAFER Scheme to make your current property secure
- Access to interim accommodation
Local Domestic Abuse Support
Tonbridge & Malling has multiple domestic abuse services that can provide you with specialist domestic abuse support.
- One Stop Shop- Drop in for confidential domestic abuse support at 4 New Wharf Road, Tonbridge, TN9 1DS, Wednesdays – 9:30am – 12:00pm
- DAVSS- A specialist domestic abuse service providing advocacy services, 01892 570538 or email office@davss.org.uk
- Look Ahead: 0333 010 4660 or email kentdomesticabuse@lookahead.org.uk
- In an emergency telephone the police on 999 - If you can’t speak out loud, you can press 55 so that the operator knows you need help.
National domestic abuse support
A wide range of national organisations offer specialist domestic abuse support, including by‑and‑for services designed to meet the needs of people with protected characteristics.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline- 24/7 support. Call 0808 200 247
- Ashiana Network- Support for South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women. Call 020 8539 0427
- Kiran- Support for women and children from Asian backgrounds. Call 020 8558 1986. Available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Email: Info@kiranss.org.uk
- EERC- Advice and support for eastern European women. Email advocacy@eerc.org.uk or call 07521 857 415 Mon-Wed 10am-4pm
- Karma Nirvana- Support for victims of honour-based violence and forced marriage. Call 0800 5999 247. Available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
- Southall Black Sisters- Support for Black, African, or Caribbean Women, as well as survivors with no recourse to public funds. Call 0208 571 9595. Available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
- Latin American Women’s Aid- Support for Latin American Women. Call 020 7275 0321 phone number has a web link on it that goes to a mobile number. Available 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday
- The Traveler Movement- Support for women from Irish, Gypsy, or Roma Traveler backgrounds experiencing abuse. Call 0207 607 2002
- GALOP- Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex survivors. Call 0800 999 5248. Available 10am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10 to 8pm Wednesday to Thursday.
- Respect Men’s Advice Line- Support for male survivors of Domestic Abuse. Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men's Advice Line UK. Call 0808 8010327- Monday–Friday 10am-5pm
- SignHealth- Support for victim/survivors that are deaf. Text 07800003421 or email da@signhealth.org.uk
Support for perpetrators
If you're worried about your behaviour you can contact the services below.
- Community Domestic Abuse Perpetrators Program (CDAP): kentcdap@gmail.com or 07956 228891/07718 120870
- Respect: A support service providing advice and guidance to perpetrators of domestic abuse who need help changing their behaviour. Call 0808 802 4040 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
- Interventions Alliance- Interventions Alliance delivers a variety of one-to-one and group work interventions that work to help people who use abusive or stalking behaviour in their relationships to address the root cause and to make positive changes. What we do - Interventions Alliance