Domestic abuse support
Emergencies
If you’re in immediate danger, always call the police on 999. For non-emergency police enquiries call 101.
If you need to speak to someone outside of office hours, the National Domestic Violence Helpline is always open and free to call. Call 0808 2000 247.
If you’re worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women’s Aid website tells you how to view it anonymously and delete your internet history.
White Ribbon Accreditation
Hackney is accredited with the White Ribbon Accreditation. The accreditation ensures organisations take a strategic approach to ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys, changing cultures and raising awareness.
This page is for anybody that wants to learn about domestic abuse support. You might be worried about yourself or someone else.
Who we help
We work with anyone experiencing domestic abuse or hurting others through domestic abuse:
- living in Hackney
- aged 16 or over
- of any sex and/or gender
- of any sexuality
See Translated information about our Domestic Abuse Intervention Service.
What is domestic abuse
Behaviour of a person towards another person is “domestic abuse” if:
- the people concerned are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other (partner, ex-partner, family member), and
- the behaviour is abusive
Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological, emotional or other abuse
It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
Domestic abuse is a crime. Domestic abuse comes in many forms.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 covers different types of abusive behaviour such as:
Take a look at the questions below and see if you can relate to any of them.
- do you change your behaviour because you’re frightened of your partner’s reaction?
- do you feel that you’re walking on eggshells?
- do you feel controlled, or isolated?
- does someone limit your control over your own money?
- do they play mind games and make you doubt your judgment?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then there is help available for you.
Confidentiality
- any information you share with us is confidential
- we only share information with organisations if you give us permission
- we only share information without your permission if you or someone else are at risk of serious harm
- we never share anything you tell us with the person that is hurting you
Domestic abuse and housing
We are DAHA (Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance) accredited members.
See support for Hackney residents booklet (PDF 646kb)
See domestic abuse housing options and advice booklet (PDF 374kb), you can also view translated versions:
- Bengali (PDF 472kb)
- French (PDF 396kb)
- Kurdish (PDF 396kb)
- Polish (PDF 397kb)
- Spanish (PDF 395kb)
- Turkish (PDF 397kb)
- Yiddish (PDF 458kb)
The Domestic Abuse Intervention Service has worked with leading Registered Social Landlords operating in Hackney to create and launch the Hackney Social Landlords Domestic Abuse Protocol. This sets out what help residents living in social housing can expect if they are experiencing domestic abuse and how landlords will work to make tenants safer in their homes.
See Hackney Social Landlords Domestic Abuse Protocol (google doc)
Other organisations that can help
Women’s Aid created a directory that contains up to date information about local domestic abuse support services. It is regularly updated by the services listed so you’ll be able to find the right local support, when you need it most.
We do not commission the services (apart from Nia’s IRIS service) and do not have responsibility for the quality of services.
Tools for understanding domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can be difficult to understand.
The following tools may be useful in helping you understand your situation and making decisions about whether you want to get help. They’re also useful for professionals working with clients in helping to explore domestic abuse.
Translated information about our Domestic Abuse Intervention Service
See our Domestic Abuse Intervention Service leaflet – English (google doc). You can also view translated versions:
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Service leaflet – Bengali (google doc)
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Service leaflet – French (google doc)
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Service leaflet – Kurdish (google doc)
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Service leaflet – Polish (google doc)
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Service leaflet – Spanish (google doc)
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Service leaflet – Turkish (google doc)
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Service leaflet – Yiddish (google doc)
Eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG) Hackney Strategy 2022 to 2025
Domestic Abuse Intervention Service
Address
Opening times
- Phone line availability: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
Notes
For out of hours emergencies call police 999 / housing 020 8356 2300 / Refuge 0808 2000 247