Domestic Violence
Domestic violence and abuse is a crime that has a devastating impact on the community and accounts for a quarter of all violent crime in West Sussex. Domestic violence occurs in both heterosexual and same sex relationships regardless of race, social status or class.
Visit West Sussex County Council's website to out more about domestic violence and what help is available throughout the county. Alternatively, scroll down the page to find information and links to drop in facilities, helplines and victim support.
Drop in Facilities
Anyone needing advice for themselves, a friend or relative can speak to an adviser via the drop in service. The drop-in centres are staffed by a variety of different agencies such as Solicitors, Victim Support, Women's Aid, Police, Social & Caring Services, and Housing. Representatives are able to answer queries, or will assist the person to make contact with the agency most appropriate to their enquiry. The drop-in centre can be used as many times as needed, and visitors remain anonymous if they wish. The service is completely free and no appointment is needed. For local telephone support call 01403 750499 (open office hours) or telephone 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours - interpreters available). Alternatively visit www.riseuk.org.uk or click here to download a leaflet.
Local Drop-Ins and Support Groups
Burgess Hill Advice Drop In - The Brow Clinic, Burgess Hill, every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 12.30 -2.30pm. Please telephone 07790 784704 for more information.
Crawley Advice Drop In - Relate, 1-2 Gleneagles Court, Brighton Road, Crawley, every Monday 1-3pm. Please telephone 07961 022438 for more information.
East Grinstead Advice Drop In - East Grinstead Health Centre, St Michaels Road, East Grinstead, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 9.30-11.30am. Please telephone 07790 784704 for more information.
Horsham Advice Drop In - Relate, Cemetary Lodge, Denne Road, Horsham, every 1st and 3rd Thursday 12-2pm. Please telephone 07961 022442 for more information.
Shoreham Survivers Support Group - Adur Civic Centre, Ham Road, Shoreham, every Tuesday 10am - 12noon. Please telephone 01273 263413 for more information.
Steyning Advice Drop In - Steyning Health Centre, Tanyard Lane, Steyning, every 4th Monday of the month, 9.30-11.30am. Please telephone 07961 022442 for more information.
Storrington Advice Drop In - The Forge House, 3 Church Street, Storrington, every 2nd Thursday of the month, 12.30-2.30pm. Please telephone 07961 022442 for more information.
Helplines, Refuge Information and Victim Support
Below is a list of other useful contacts who can offer support and advice to those affected by domestic violence:
24 hour National Domestic Violence - Helpline: 0808 2000 247
The helpline will provide access to 24-hour emergency refuge accommodation, as well as an information service, including safety planning and translation facilities to thousands of women who suffer at the hands of an abusive partner. The helpline is run in partnership with Refuge and Women’s Aid. Interpreters are available.
Visit www.womensaid.org.uk
Visit www.refuge.org.uk
Visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk
Rise (formerly the Women's Refuge Project) - Helpline: 01403 750499
open during office hours, 24 hour helpline: 0808 2000 247.
Website: www.riseuk.org.uk
The Women's Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0161 636 7525
Opening Hours Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm excluding bank holidays, and Tuesdays, 10am - 7pm. Website: www.wdachoices.org.uk The WDA also offer a Community Helpline Language Service on Monday & Tuesday 10am-1pm and Wednesday 1pm-4pm. Languages available: Urdu and Punjabi.
Victim Support - Helpline: 0845 303 0900.
Visit www.victimsupport.org.uk.
NSPCC & Childline - Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
The NSPCC's vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK. They campaign to change the law, provide ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline and offer advice and support to children and adults.
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
The Samaritans - Helpline: 08457 90 90 90.
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Visit www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
The Mankind Initiative - Helpline: 01823 334244
The confidential helpline is manned from Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and 7pm-9pm and provides support and information for male victims of domestic abuse. It also offers referrals to refuges in the South-West, South-East, West Midlands and Wales.
Visit www.mankind.org.uk
Men’s Aid - Helpline: 0871 223 9986
Helpline open 8am -8pm, 7 days a week.
Men's Aid over support and information for male victims of domestic abuse.
Visit www.mensaid.com
Email: help@mensaid.com
Action on Elder Abuse - Helpline: 0808 808 8141
HelpLine open weekdays 9am – 5pm.
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) works to protect, and prevent the abuse of, vulnerable older adults by dealing with calls reporting abuse of elderly people in residential and care homes.
Visit their website www.elderabuse.org.uk