Who is affected by domestic abuse?

If you believe you are in immediate risk, contact the police by dialling 999.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of class, gender, race, age, disability or sexuality religion or educational background.

Just because someone does not look like a typical victim does not mean they are not suffering from domestic abuse.

Partners, ex-partners and family members

Domestic abuse against adults by their partners, ex-partners or family members can affect people from all walks of life and background.

Although most domestic abuse is carried out by men against women, men can also suffer abuse by women, and domestic violence is equally common in same-sex relationships.

Domestic abuse also includes forced marriage, female genital mutilation, so-called 'honour’ based abuse ' and abuse of elderly family members.

Children

Domestic abuse is defined as taking place between adults, but this abuse also harms children. There is also evidence that it often occurs alongside child abuse within families.

If you are worried about violence or abuse against children or young people, contact your local children's services:

Westminster

Access To Children's Services Team
Address: 4 Frampton Street, NW8 8LF
Tel:  0207 641 4000
Email: AccesstoChildrensServices@westminster.gov.uk

For professionals, or in non-urgent cases, you can refer via MARF on-line form

Kensington and Chelsea

Family and Children's Services
Tel: 020 7361 3013
Fax: 020 7361 2078
Email: socialservices@rbkc.gov.uk

For professionals, or in non-urgent cases, you can refer via MARF on-line form

Are you experiencing domestic abuse?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to remember that it is not your fault, and that you do not have live through it in silence and on your own. You are entitled to live your life free from fear. Go to our page on Help for people experiencing domestic abuse for details on the many people and organisations whom you can turn to for help and advice.