If you wish to report an incident of domestic abuse and perhaps are unable to make a call, you can now submit this information online via a dedicated South Yorkshire Police portal. Click here to access the portal - the portal also features a ‘quick exit’ button

Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

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Domestic abuse can take different forms, including:

  • physical abuse
  • psychological abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • financial abuse
  • coercive control / emotional abuse
  • digital / online abuse
  • honour-based violence
  • forced marriage
  • female genital mutilation (FGM).

Find out more

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone. It can be defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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 perpetrator could be the current or ex-partner of your family members (including children).

Domestic violence and abuse is often not a one-off event, it is not the victims fault and it is never ok to abuse someone.

Figures reveal a sharp rise in domestic abuse incidents and arrests across South Yorkshire and wider during 2020. Unfortunately it appears that the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to this increase.

Did you know?

  • Victims of domestic abuse live with violence on average for 2-3 years before getting help.
  • On average victims experience 50 incidents of abuse before getting effective help.
  • 85% of victims sought help on average five times from professionals in the year before they got effective help to stop the abuse
  • Women who have disabilities are at significant and higher risk of domestic abuse (Rich, 2014)
  • More than 50% of disabled women in the UK may have experienced domestic abuse
  • 50 - 60% of women using mental health services have experienced domestic abuse
  • 2 women a week, on average, killed by a male partner or ex-partner in England and Wales.
  • In 2017 159,000 men reported to Police that they were the victim of domestic abuse
  • It is estimated that only 10% of male victims report their abuse to the Police.

Support

You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.

If an incident of domestic abuse is happening now or someone has been injured or is in danger, call 999. In a non-emergency, call the Police on 101.

If you wish to report an incident of domestic abuse, you can now submit this information online via a dedicated South Yorkshire Police portal. Click here to access the portal.

For further information visit South Yorkshire Police and the NHS.

If you have concerns during incidents or home visits please ensure that you follow our Home Safety Check (HSC) and Safeguarding Procedures. For more information on this contact the SYFR Safeguarding team or the SYFR Equality & Inclusion Advisor

Extra support during COVID-19

Advice to self-isolate due to coronavirus does not apply if you need to escape from domestic abuse.

Many pharmacies have safe spaces where you can get information about support and make calls.

Find pharmacies offering safe spaces on the UK Says No More website.

What other support is available?

South Yorkshire Police Protecting Vulnerable People team often provide support to domestic abuse victims, but support is also available from partner agencies.

There are organisations in Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham who can offer support, for both men, woman and LGBT+ communities.

Sheffield

Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS): 0808 808 2241
Domestic Abuse Coordination Team (DACT)

Barnsley

Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS): 03000 110 110

Rotherham

Rotherham Rise: 0330 2020571

Doncaster

Doncaster Domestic Abuse Hub: 01302 737080

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Call the FREE & CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE on 0800 030 5182

Giving you 24/7/365 confidential support on mental health and many other of life's issues or problems.

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