Domestic abuse
Change Grow Live provide domestic abuse support in East Sussex. They are a voluntary sector organisation. Professionals can refer anyone in East Sussex aged 16+ affected by domestic abuse, sexual abuse or violence.
- phone: 03003 239 985
- out of hours: 08082 000 247 (free 24-hour Domestic Violence helpline.)
Emergencies
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
How to make a silent 999 call - Sussex Police
Refuge accommodation
From 01 June 2025 Interventions Alliance provides refuge accommodation in East Sussex for people seeking safety from domestic violence. If you, or a some you are supporting, needs to access a refuge service, contact Interventions Alliance on:
- free 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 08082 000 247
- phone: 07542 507 689
- email: referrals.eastsussex@interventionsalliance.co.uk
Concerns for a child
if you believe a child is at risk of harm due to domestic abuse, please see Report a concern about a child or a teenager
Professionals
Resources for professionals working with families affected by domestic violence.
Other local support services
Rape and sexual violence
The Survivors Network provide the specialist rape and sexual violence abuse service for Sussex. You can contact them via their website, or call 01273 203 380.
Stalking and harassment
The specialist stalking advocacy services for Sussex is provided by Veritas Justice. You can contact them via their website, or call 01273 234 773.
Older people experiencing abuse
Hourglass is a charity that provides support to older adults. It offers both emotional and practical help.
- website: Hourglass (wearehourglass.org)
- phone: 08088 088 141
- text (free): 07860 052 906
Request information under Clare’s Law
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is often called ‘Clare’s Law’. It is named after Clare Wood and the landmark campaign related to her case. Clare’s Law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. Under Clare’s Law, a member of the public can also make enquires into the partner of a close friend or family member. Make a DVDS application at Sussex Police.
If you’ve been affected by:
- domestic abuse
- stalking
- any other crime
You can also visit Safe Space Sussex. It provides an online directory of local victim and witness specialist support services. It also has information about what happens at each stage of the criminal justice system. This helps to ‘demystify’ the process for people when they may be at their most vulnerable.
National support services
Help for women
Women’s Aid provides information on a wide range of issues. These include housing, money, helping your children and legal rights.
- website: Women’s Aid
- live chat: Women's Aid Live Chat
Stalking
Paladin supports those affected by stalking.
- website: Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service
- phone: 02038 664 107
Help for perpetrators of domestic abuse
The Respect service provides confidential advice for perpetrators who want to change their behaviour.
- website: Respect Phoneline UK
- phone: 08088 024 040
Support for male victims of domestic violence
The Respect organisation also provides confidential advice for male victims of domestic abuse.
- website: Respect: Support for men (mensadviceline.org.uk)
- freephone advice line: 08088 010 327
Specialised services for minority groups
LGBT+
Galop helps LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crimes, domestic abuse or sexual violence.
- website: Galop
- phone: 08009 995 428
Asian women
The Aanchal helpline can help you if English isn’t your first language. Helpline staff can speak to you in different languages. These include English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, and Bengali.
- website: 24-hour Aanchal helpline
- phone: 08000 124 924
Black women and girls
HERSANA provides support to black survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
- website: HERSANA | Help for Abuse
- phone: 03330 169 610
Black (Asian and African Caribbean) women
Southall Black Sisters provide guidance and advice to Black (Asian and African Caribbean) women.
- website: Southall Black Sisters
- phone: 02085 710 800
- email: info@Southallblacksisters.co.uk
(So called) Honour-based abuse
A specialist service providing guidance and advice for victims and survivors of honour-based abuse in the UK.
- website: Karma Nirvana
- phone: 08005 999 247
Polish women
Opoka provides specialist domestic abuse advice to Polish women. They have a helpline, crisis support, advocacy and an outreach service.
- website: Opoka
- phone: 03003 651 700
Deaf women and men
Sign Health provide a specialist domestic abuse service for deaf people across England. They help bring deaf people and their children to safety and empower them to build new lives free of fear. They have:
- Deaf Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs).
- Young Peoples Violence Advisors (YPVAs).
Domestic Abuse Service - SignHealth
The UK government also has a British Sign Language video that explains how to get help: Domestic abuse: how to get help - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse happens between people that have a personal connection. For example, partners, ex-partners, or family members. It can consist of violence or it can be controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour. Domestic abuse can affect anyone over the age of 16. It can affect people of any gender or sexual orientation.
The abuse can include but is not limited to the following:
- control and isolation
- psychological and/or emotional abuse
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse and/or sexual coercion
- financial or economic abuse
- harassment and stalking
- online and digital abuse
The UK government has issued guidance on how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse: Domestic abuse: recognise the signs - GOV.UK
