If you are in immediate danger or your life is being threatened, you are strongly advised to call 999.
You can make a silent phone call to the police
Dial 999 – then 55 if you can’t talk.
On this page you will find information on where to go for help, information about Clare’s Law and the the Defence domestic abuse strategy and policy:
Domestic abuse can, and does, happen to anyone. It is indiscriminate of age, gender, race, profession – including the Armed Forces.
Domestic abuse is defined by the Government as:
“any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse”.
Domestic abuse support for RAF personnel and families
Service specific support
Created by AFFS Safeguarding Policy Team, this document highlights the confidential Service specific support and overseas support available to personnel and family members affected by domestic abuse.
RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service (PS&SWS)
Telephone: 03000 111 723 (available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
Email: [email protected] (monitored during office hours, Monday to Friday 0830 – 1700)
How Defence personnel affected by domestic abuse should be supported
Joint Service Publication (JSP) 913 details how Defence personnel affected by domestic abuse should be supported and sets out roles and responsibilities of the organisation. As well as highlighting what support is available to victims/survivors it includes;
- Information on the new definition of domestic abuse as contained in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- Details of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)
- Guidance for line managers on supporting affected personnel in the workplace
‘No Defence for Abuse’
Defence Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018 – 2023
The first Defence Domestic Abuse Strategy ‘No Defence for Abuse’ is a five year strategy that looks to reduce the rate and impact of domestic abuse amongst military families.
This strategy will work to ensure access to good quality services to serving personnel and families as soon as possible in order to ensure victims feel comfortable and empowered to seek help. This will be achieved through prevention, intervention and partnering with internal and external agencies and organisations.
There is no defence for abuse.
The Military Context
The strategy explains:
- What constitutes domestic abuse including controlling and coercive behaviour, financial abuse, threatening and violent behaviour and acts that that are intended to harm, intimidate or frighten their victim.
- What Defence’s statutory obligation is and their commitments are towards domestic abuse.
- Acknowledgement of the unique nature of service life that can place extra stressors on service families which include long periods of separation, frequent moves, isolation, belief that a victim may not be believed by a chain of command, rank structure and concerns about potential loss of livelihood.
Strategy Commitments
The Strategy has several key commitments:
- The Strategy strives to remove the stigma surrounding domestic abuse in order to create a culture where victims confidence to report abusive behaviour safe in the knowledge that they will be believed and offered appropriate and professional support.
- Serving family members who are either victim or perpetrator will be supported with specialist interventions and treated in professional and caring manner.
- Chain of command will act upon reported domestic abuse in a sensitive and timely manner and will engage with relevant specialist organisations whether in UK or overseas. This includes civilian staff and overseas civil servants.
- The Strategy aims to enhance awareness of domestic abuse across all line managers whether military or civilian so that they are able to better identify indicators of abusive behaviour and provide the right support to staff and families.
- To prioritise the needs of survivors and their children. This could mean finding alternative accommodation for Service perpetrators in order to reduce disruption to family life whilst professional support is put in place.
Victim Witness Care Unit
The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU), part of the Defence Serious Crime Command), provides a single point of contact to victims and witnesses during their journey through the Service Justice Process, providing support and guidance where required.
The VWCU provides holistic care and support to victims and witnesses ensuring that each victim is afforded their rights in accordance with the code of practice for victims of crime (JSP 839).
SSAFA
SSAFA provide RAF personnel and families with confidential personal support and social work services outside the chain of command. SSAFA also have sheltered housing for women and children.
Phone: 03000 111 723
Email: [email protected]
Sheltered housing for women and children (SSAFA)
Women of the Armed Forces community may find themselves without somewhere to live or require a place of safety. SSAFA’s Stepping Stone home provides a comfortable, secure and female-only place to stay for as long as you need to get back on your feet.
Safe spaces to seek help and make a call
UK Says No More
UK says no more has joined with pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and some independent pharmacies to launch the Safe Spaces scheme for people experiencing domestic abuse. It provides Safe spaces, located within the pharmacy’s consultation room, where victims of domestic abuse can access specialist support, phone a helpline, contact a support service or talk to a friend or family member. Walk into participating pharmacies and ask at the healthcare counter to use their Safe Space.
Online Safe Spaces are now being offered too, a webpage that leaves no trace in your internet history.
Government Codeword scheme
The Government codeword scheme is available if you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately but also phonetically sounds like the name Annie. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
Information and support for male survivors of Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse helplines and services
Perpetrator programmes
Perpetrator programmes support participants to change behaviours, take responsibility for their actions and to acknowledge the impact of their abuse. Guidance is also provided on positive ways of behaving in relationships. There are several Perpetrator Programmes available throughout the UK and many of these accept self-referrals. Respect can provide you with a full list of Perpetrator Programmes in your area.
The Respect helpline
A free, anonymous and confidential helpline for anyone who is harming their partners and families. It provides specialist advice and guidance to help change their behaviours.
Phone: 0808 802 4040 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://respectphoneline.org.uk/
Webchat is also available – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 10-11am and 3-4pm
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law)
Clare’s Law is a police policy which allows you to request information from the police if you believe your current or ex-partner may pose a danger to you.
What does it mean?
Under Clare’s Law you you have the right to ask for information from the police about a partners history to see if there has been a history of violence. You also gave the right to know which allows the police to disclose any information if they feel their records suggest a potential risk.
How to make an application?
- Speak to your local police service on 101
- Attend your nearest civilian or Service Police station
- Online, via your local constabulary’s website
Domestic Abuse reports by the Service Police
The MOD has published an information leaflet that provides a timeline for the investigation of a domestic abuse report by the Service Police, what you can expect if you make a report, and forms of support available for victims of domestic abuse.
