Safer Watford Tackling domestic abuse & hate crime

What is domestic abuse?

The Sunflower Centre defines domestic abuse as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (physical, sexual, mental, financial or emotional) between adults who are, or who have been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality.

What can you do?

You can make a report to the Police by:

• ringing 999 for emergencies likely to result in danger, injury or damage or for incidents in progress
• calling 0845 3300 222 for non emergency incidents
• report online

You can talk to the following agencies to explore the options open to you.  They can also signpost you to other specialist areas for support and practical help.

• the Sunflower Centre on 01923 215180
• a specialist local Police Officer experienced in dealing with domestic abuse.  Ring 999 if you are in danger but otherwise, call the non-emergency number 0845 3300 222
• the Hertfordshire Domestic Violence free helpline on 08 088 088 088 (this number will not appear on your phone bill) 
• the Watford Women's Centre on 01923 816229
• the Citizens Advice Bureau on 01923 234949
• your landlord if you are a tenant of a Local Authority or Registered Social Landlord 
• Broken Rainbow gives advice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in abusive relationships on 08452 60 44 60
• Respect on 0808 801 0327offers support for men suffering from domestic abuse 
• Relate provides counselling, sex therapy, relationship education and training to couple and family relationships on 01923 241803

If you don't feel ready to talk about your situation, you can still get ideas, advice and information on the powers available to you from:

• the Watford Domestic Violence Forum's Information Pack 
• the Hertfordshire County Council's Domestic Violence webpages