Help if you're experiencing domestic violence or abuse

If you do not feel safe in your home

Always call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. If it's not safe for you to speak you can then press 55 (only on mobile phones) to be transferred to your local police force.

You can also report domestic violence or abuse to the police online, in person by visiting a station or by calling 101.

Report domestic abuse - on the Sussex Police website

What is domestic violence and 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. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:

physical violence
controlling behaviour
sexual abuse
being prevented from seeing friends and family
financial abuse and control
emotional abuse

Support available from the councils

You can get help from the councils by coming to our offices during office hours at Portland House in Worthing or The Shoreham Centre. For locations and opening times see:

Contact us - Adur & Worthing Councils - visiting us in person

What help you receive will depend on your circumstances but it may include being offered a safe place for you and your family to stay, or it may be a referral to another service who can help you.

If you are not able to attend in person you can contact the Housing Needs team:

by phoning 01903 221063 (9am to 4pm, Mon to Fri)
or sending an email to housing.needs@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Out-of-Hours help: If you need help urgently at other times, you can speak to an out-of-hours housing officer by phoning 07713 889 128. This service is available in the evening and at night time, weekends and bank holidays.

Other services who may be able to help you

WORTH Specialist Domestic Abuse Service:
WORTH is a specialist service for people who are experiencing or are at risk of domestic abuse in West Sussex. The West Sussex County Council (WSCC) website provides further information about Worth services and how to access their support
See: WORTH - on the WSCC website
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline:
Freephone, 24-hour service available to women experiencing domestic violence
See: National Domestic Abuse Helpline website
Safe in Sussex:
Support available to people experiencing domestic abuse in Sussex.
See: Safe in Sussex website
Respect - Men's Advice Line:
Freephone and email support for male victims of domestic violence
See: Respect Men's Advice Line website

Other useful sites:

Look for help safely

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