Domestic and sexual abuse

One in four women – and one in seven men – are likely to experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, so if it is happening to you, you are not alone.

Stop Domestic Abuse provides support to victims of domestic abuse, those who recognise they are abusive in their relationship and want to change and support to children who witness domestic abuse.

• Website – stopdomesticabuse.uk

Further information:

• Stop domestic abuse – Getting help and support
• Stop domestic abuse – What is domestic abuse?
• Stop domestic abuse – Types of domestic abuse

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s safety, please call 999.

If you are under 16 and want to talk about domestic abuse, please call 0800 1111 (ChildLine).

If you are aged 13 to 15 and in an unhealthy relationship, you can call Stop Domestic Abuse on 023 9206 5494 or email portsmouthreferral@stopdomesticabuse.uk. You can take a simple quiz to see if your relationship is healthy.

If you are over 16 and want to talk about domestic abuse, please call Stop Domestic Abuse on 023 9206 5494 or email portsmouthreferral@stopdomesticabuse.uk.

If you are in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.

If you need refuge accommodation out of normal working hours on Monday to Thursday evenings, please call 07771 125991. Refuges can be accessed 24 hours by calling 0330 016 5112 and following the answerphone instructions.

Further information can be found on the Stop Domestic Abuse website.

If you are 16 and over and feel you use abusive or controlling behaviours in your relationship and want to change, then Stop Domestic Abuse can help. This includes help with replacing your unhealthy patterns of thinking, feeling and behaviours and making positive changes. You could be supported on a one-to-one basis or as part of a group. If you would like more information, please call 023 9206 5494.

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s safety please call 999.

If you are under 16 and want to talk about domestic abuse please call 0800 1111 (ChildLine).

If you are over 16 and want to talk about domestic abuse please call us on 023 92065494.

Further information:

• Getting help and support
• Domestic Abuse
• Domestic Abuse Priority

Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service (PARCS) provides free counselling and support for anyone living in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire who has experienced rape, childhood sexual abuse or other form of sexual violation any time in their lives.

PARCS also offers specialist counselling for all genders who have experienced, domestic abuse.

Email PARCS@Family-Action.org.uk or phone 0300 222 5735 during office hours.

Helpline operating hours are Mondays, 11am-2pm and Thursdays 4-7pm. (Additional days and times will be added) supported by 24-hour answerphones.

Helpline number: 0300 222 5735

If you have suffered an unwanted sexual experience and want practical support and guidance, then an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) can offer help. Regardless of when the incident happened or characteristics such as age, gender or sexuality, they will provide support and advice. Yellow Door offers a free ISVA service who give independent advice and support. They will:

• help you make informed choices about what happens next, including whether you report to the police,
• provide support throughout the criminal justice process if you do proceed in that way,
• advise you on what your health care options are

In addition to the core ISVA service, Yellow Door offers a specialist Children and Young Person ISVA, Family ISVA and Male ISVA.

If you would like to know more, contact Yellow Door by phone on 023 8063 6312, by email at info@yellowdoor.org.uk or visit their website at yellowdoor.org.uk

Follow the links for more information on:

• Rape and Sexual Violence
• Child Sexual Exploitation

More local organisations which may offer help and advice:

• Housing Needs & Advice –  023 9283 4989
• Inscape (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) – 023 9265 5077 or 023 9229 8950
• Men’s Aid – free practical advice and support to men who have been abused or are in an abusive relationship. Someone to talk to in the strictest of confidence. Helpful, constructive advice, plus other useful contacts specific to you – 0333 567 0556
• Naval Personnel & Family Service – 023 9272 2712
• Portsmouth Women’s Refuge – 023 9229 1034
• Social Services – 023 9283 9111
• Women’s Aid – free practical advice and support for women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. Someone to speak to in the strictest of confidence, instructive and helpful information and contacts specific to you. Links with Portsmouth Women’s Refuge Service – 0808 2000 247

Below are UK-wide organisations which may offer help and advice:

• National domestic abuse 24-hour helpline – 0808 2000 247
• ChildLine – 0800 1111
• NSPCC Child Protection Line – 0800 800 500
• Victim Care Service, delivered by Victim Support – 0808 178 1641 or email hub.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk.
  24/7 Victim Support: National Support line: 0808 168 9111. Live chat services.

Gov.uk has more information on domestic abuse nationally.