Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men and can impact anyone, regardless of background. It impacts significantly on the victim, the perpetrator and any associated children. Victims are not responsible for another person’s abusive or controlling behaviour. Any victim of domestic abuse has the right to be supported and to stay safe.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse and need help, you can find support through Royal Navy Family and People Support, the Police or from specialist organisations, whose details are provided below. They exist to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse. If you need help in an emergency, if you fear for your safety or that of someone else, you should always call 999 or the relevant emergency number if overseas.
Further information
Domestic Abuse Act 2021 became law on 30 April 2021 and create a statutory definition of domestic abuse, emphasising that domestic abuse is not just physical violence, but can also be emotional, controlling or coercive, and economic abuse. Establish in law the office of Domestic Abuse Commissioner and set out the Commissioner’s functions and powers. Read about what this means for the survivors, activists and campaigners who have helped secure vital changes.
If you are being impacted by any of the issues outlined above please utilise the list of contact details below of organisations who can provide support and guidance:
Government’s guidance
- Government’s guidance
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse from the government’s website.
Royal Navy Family and People Support (RN FPS)
- Royal Navy Family and People Support (RN FPS) – 023 9272 8777
RN FPS offers free and confidential advice and support on all aspects of domestic abuse. Please give them a call to speak to one of their highly trained staff.
National Domestic Violence Helpline
- The National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
This Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
For advice in Northern Ireland: 0800 917 1414, Scotland: 0800 027 1234 or Wales: 0808 80 10 800.
Women’s Aid
- Women’s Aid – 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. They empower survivors by keeping their voices at the heart of their work, working with and for women and children by listening to them and responding to their needs.
SSAFA the Armed Forces charity
- SSAFA the Armed Forces charity – 0800 731 4880
SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving, or has ever served, and their families including those experiencing domestic abuse. Their Stepping Stone Homes are a safe place to stay for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse.
Men’s Advice Line
- Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner or from other family members.
Mankind Initiative
- Mankind Initiative – 01823 334244
This confidential helpline is available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same-sex partner).
Galop
- Galop – 0800 999 5428
Galop offers emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
Respect
- Respect – 0808 802 4040
A pioneering domestic abuse organisation developing safe, effective work with perpetrators, male victims and young people who use violence.
The Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service
The Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service works within Royal Navy and Royal Marine units throughout the world. It is completely confidential and available to service personnel and their families. Chaplains are able to provide guidance and pastoral support regardless of your religious beliefs. You can find a Chaplain by contacting your nearest unit.
Citizens Advice Rushmoor
Citizens Advice Rushmoor are working alongside other local agencies to support people experiencing domestic abuse. They have an in-house Nepali Domestic Abuse service along with Foreign and Commonwealth services. The e-mail address is: fandc@citizensadvicerushmoor.org.uk
Aurora New Dawn
Aurora New Dawn gives safety, support, advocacy and empowerment to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. This can be accessed from anywhere in the UK or overseas by calling +4423 9247 9254 or emailing info@aurorand.org.uk
MOD policies to tackle unacceptable behaviour
In Summer 2022 the MOD introduced new policies and measures to tackle unacceptable behaviour to keep our community and the public safe.
A series of measures were published, including the:
- Zero Tolerance to Unacceptable Sexual Behaviour: A Victim/Survivor focussed approach Policy
- Zero Tolerance to Unacceptable Sexual Offences and Sexual relationships between Instructors and Trainees
- Zero Tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Policy (JSP 769)
- Tackling Sexual Offending in Defence Strategy
Access the government’s website to read the news story, its related publications and to find out how to report behaviours that fall short.
Other useful resources
- Full list of support organisations
- Defence Domestic Abuse Strategy (2018-2023)
- JSP 913: Tri-Service Policy on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
- The Armed Forces Domestic Abuse Website
- Domestic Abuse Information Sheet
