Domestic abuse

Experiencing domestic abuse and violence can have a serious, long-lasting emotional and psychological impact on children. Settings need to take action to support children if they receive a disclosure of DA or suspect it’s occurring.

Support for children

If settings have concerns about DA or feel a child is at risk of (or subject to) harm because of DA, follow the advice and guidance on our Report a concern about a child web page.

For other support for DA victims and their children visit the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service Domestic abuse web page.

For signposts to Level 2 services that support families around DA in Essex visit Essex County Council’s online Directory of services.

Support for victims and incidents

If there’s an ongoing emergency or a life in danger call the Police on 999.

Other ways to report DA can be found on the Essex Police How to Report Domestic Abuse web page.

Victims of DA can access support from independent domestic violence advisers (IDVAs) through the Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline. This is the single point of access for DA support agencies in Essex where victims can self-refer or professionals can support them without a referral. For more information visit the COMPASS Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline web page.

For a free, fast emergency injunction service for survivors of DA and violence regardless of financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation visit the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) website.

For signposts to other support services for victims visit the SETDAB What is Domestic Abuse? web pages.

Support for perpetrators

For support to help address the behaviour of people who use abuse in any relationship and help them live a life free of abuse visit The Change Project website.

For signposts to other support services for perpetrators visit SETDAB’s What is Domestic Abuse? web pages.