Skip Navigation

Browse our services

Where to get help - for victims of domestic violence and abuse

Details of the help available to those who are victims of domestic violence or abuse can be found on this page.

A summary of this information can also be found on the   Domestic Violence & Abuse Leaflet November 2012 (pdf, 122kb) (opens in a new window) .

If any of the links to documents or web sites on this page are not working please use the feedback facility at the bottom of the page to notify us.

Outreach and Helplines

National Domestic Violence 24 Hour Helpline 0808 2000 247

You First Outreach Service (Dorset County)

The You First outreach service  covers the whole of Dorset County (excluding Bournemouth and Poole). The You First service supports female and male victims aged 16 and over and the You First leaflet (pdf, 395kb) (opens in a new window)  explains more about what the service provides.  Agency referrals to You First should be made using the  You First referral form (pdf, 83kb) (opens in a new window)   and self referrals should be made using the You First self referral form (pdf, 81kb) (opens in a new window) . The service can be contacted on freephone 0800 032 5204 (not 24 hour).  Please be aware that calls to 0800 numbers are not free from mobile phones and may show up on itemised phone bills. The service is also available to people who have used it before. If you are in this situation and now need further support please contact the service using 0800 032 5204.

Please note that the Dorset Women's Outreach Project (DWOP) covering Weymouth closed on 30th June 2012.

Bournemouth Outreach Service

The service provides support to victims of domestic violence and abuse living in Bournemouth. There is a drop in at Boscombe Children's Centre on Wednesday every two weeks from 10.00am 12.00pm. Please ring the centre on 01202 395534 for more details. The service also provides a Pattern Changing Course. The service can be contacted on 01202 547641

Poole Outreach Service

The Poole outreach service provides support to victims of domestic violence and abuse living in Poole. There is a drop in at Ted Webster Children's Centre on Fridays from 10.00am 12.00pm. The service also provides a Pattern Changing Course. The service can be contacted on 01202 710777.

Refuges

Refuges can offer a safe place to stay for victims of domestic violence and abuse who need to leave their homes.

  • North Dorset 01747 858555

  • Bournemouth 01202 547755

  • West Dorset 01305 262444

  • Poole 01202 748488 (can take men)

Please note that the refuge numbers are all 24 hours and can be used for help and advice when needed.  

Dorset Police domestic abuse officers

  •  Dorset Police's specialist domestic abuse officers can be contacted by calling 101 (please ask for the Domestic Abuse Unit)
  • In an emergency always dial 999

Victim Support 

Victim Support can provide support to victims of domestic violence and abuse. Contact the South West Victim Care Unit on 0845 4566099.

Advice on Housing Options for Victims of Domestic Violence & Abuse

Information on help and support available to victims facing losing their homes or who need support to stay safely in their existing accommodation can be found on advice on housing options.

For children

For male victims

For people committing domestic violence

Support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community

Legal advice

Many local solicitors are able to help victims of domestic violence and abuse with legal advice and access to civil legal remedies. The National Centre for Domestic Violence (opens in a new window)  can also provide legal help and support and can be contacted on 0844 8044 999.

Sexual Violence & Abuse

Dorset now has a Sexual Assault Referral centre - ARC Dorset - which can provide support for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. The Dorset Rape Crisis Support Centre (opens in a new window)  can also help and support victims of sexual violence including access to Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs).

Stalking

There are links between domestic and sexual violence and stalking. The National Stalking Helpline (opens in a new window)  can be contacted on 0808 802 0300.

The National Network for Surviving Stalking (opens in a new window)  can also provide advice and support to anyone affected by or concerned about stalking.

Domestic Violence Coordinators

Domestic Violence Coordinators can provide further information on the availability of local and national sources of help for victims of domestic and sexual violence but are not able to advise on individual cases.

For Dorset County contact Nicola Pengelly, Domestic Violence Strategic Coordinator and for Bournemouth and Poole contact Lisa Dowry Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Co Ordinator (contact details below)

Localise content

  • Help

Related Links

© County Council

Powered by GOSS iCM
Feedback Form
Leads to Insight