NO MORE Week 2025: Taking a Stand Against Domestic Abuse
In Herefordshire, we stand in solidarity with this movement by providing vital information on domestic abuse, its impact, and where to seek help. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are services available to support you.
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can include:
- Coercive control and ‘gaslighting’ (a pattern of intimidation, isolation, and control)
- Financial or economic abuse
- Online or digital abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Harassment or stalking
Domestic abuse is a crime and is never the fault of the person experiencing it. It affects people of all genders, backgrounds, and ages, though statistics show that women are more frequently affected.
How to Recognise Domestic Abuse
If someone close to you has:
- Threatened or humiliated you, maybe in front of others
- Damaged your belongings or controlled what you do
- Restricted your access to money
- Followed or visited you without permission
- Physically hurt or forced you into sexual acts
- Made you fear for your safety
You may be experiencing domestic abuse. Women’s Aid provides an online questionnaire to help recognise abusive relationships.
Seeking Help in an Emergency
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, dial 55 when prompted to alert the operator that you need help.
Support Services in Herefordshire
There are several organisations in Herefordshire that provide support to those affected by domestic abuse:
- West Mercia Women's Aid: Offers a 24-hour helpline, group recovery programmes, Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) services, and refuge accommodation for women and children. Referrals can be made via their website or by calling 0800 783 1359 and more info on herefordshire.gov.uk
- Cranstoun Herefordshire Male Victims Service: Provides specialist support for male victims aged 11 and over. Services include individual support and advocacy. More information is available on their website cranstoun.org
- Men's Advice Line: A confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse, available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, at 0808 801 0327.
National Support Services
- Childline – Support for children and young people: 0800 11 11
- Forced Marriage Unit – Help for those facing forced marriage: 0207 008 0151 | fmu@fco.gov.uk
- Galop – Support for LGBT+ individuals: 0800 999 5428 | help@galop.org.uk
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Karma Nirvana – Help for victims of honour-based abuse: 0800 599 9247 |
- ManKind – Emotional support for male victims: 01823 334244
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Men's Advice Line – Support for men experiencing abuse: 0808 801 0327 |
- National Domestic Violence Helpline – 24-hour support for women: 0808 200 0247
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NSPCC – Advice for children, young people, and parents: 0808 800 5000 |
- Refuge – Support for women and children: 0808 200 0247 | helpline@refuge.org.uk
- Relate – Relationship and family counselling: 0300 003 0396 | relate.enquiries@relate.org.uk
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Respect – Support for perpetrators seeking help: 0808 802 4040 |
- SignHealth – Support for deaf individuals experiencing abuse: 0203 947 2601 | da@signhealth.org.uk
- The Hideout – Information for children and young people
If you or someone you know is affected, please reach out to one of the services listed above. You are not alone.
To find out more and additional resources about NO MORE Week 2025 please visit:
Share your experiences
If you would like to share your experience of any support or health and social care services in Herefordshire please click the link below.
