Abuse is never the fault of the person experiencing it.
It is not always easy to recognise domestic abuse, especially when it involves someone you care about.
We are here to listen and support you, even if you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is domestic abuse.
You do not need to be certain that it is “bad enough”, or be at a point where you want to take action, to talk to someone.
Access support safely. If you think someone maybe monitoring your phone, devices or online activity, use a safe device where possible and consider clearing your browsing history only if it is safe to do so.
- Are you in immediate danger or need urgent medical help? If you are in immediate danger or have been seriously injured, call the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone). Report and Support is not an emergency reporting tool.
- Find a safe space. If an incident has happened, and you are able to, try to get to a safe place.
- Call Campus Security if you are on campus - 01227 823333.
- Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARCs) provide specialist support to anyone who has experienced sexual violence. Offering crisis care, emotional and psychological support and medical and forensic examinations. You can access a SARC whether or not you choose to report to the police. For more information, see our SARC page.
Below is a list of questions that may help you to begin to spot the signs of an abusive partner:
- Is your partner jealous and possessive?
- Are they charming one minute and abusive the next?
- Do they tell you what to wear, where to go, who to see?
- Do they constantly put you down?
- Do they play mind games and make you doubt your judgement?
- Do they control your money, or make sure you are dependent on them for everyday things?
- Do they pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to?
- Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making them angry?
- Do they control your access to medicine, devices or care that you need?
- Do they monitor or track your movements or messages?
- Do they use anger and intimidation to frighten and control you?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. Support is available.
Information from Refuge
Your partner may tell you that nobody will believe you or help you. That is not the case.
You are not alone. We can help you. If you have been affected by or experienced domestic abuse, then we encourage you to seek support safely.
Rising Sun Domestic Abuse Services provides information and safety advice while in an abusive relationship, planning to leave and staying safe after leaving. You can find more information here.
The Specialist Wellbeing team can provide support and practical advice and guidance. No matter your circumstance, we are here to listen, support and believe you.
Please see more information in the Get Support section.
- Specialist Wellbeing Team During office hours, the Specialist Wellbeing Team provide practical support and advice to anyone who has experienced an incident and would like support. Support is available at both Medway and Canterbury campuses. You can book an appointment with the Specialist Wellbeing Team by emailing KentSSW@kent.ac.uk, or by calling 01227 823158 from Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Counselling Service Students are able to access support from the University's counselling team within Student Support and Wellbeing. Counselling provides a safe space to address the impact that an incident has had on you. All counsellors are fully qualified members of BACP, BABCP, or UKCP, and adhere to ethical guidelines. Counselling can be accessed by emailing: counselling@kent.ac.uk or by calling 01227 823206.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Mental Health Advisers can offer advice and support if an incident has affected your mental health. If you need urgent support, please call 01227 826573 or email KentSSW@kent.ac.uk and ask for an on-the-day appointment.
- SpectrumLife Providing in the moment support online, text or telephone. Call 0800 0318227 and press option 1, or text or Whatsapp 'Hi' to 07418 360780.
- Report and Support. Report and Support is the University’s online reporting tool. You can choose to make an anonymous report or request support from an adviser. Requesting support does not automatically start a formal complaint. You can receive confidential support without making a formal report. The option you choose determines what happens next: anonymous reports help the University understand patterns and concerns, while requesting adviser support allows an adviser to contact you to discuss your options. No formal investigation will be triggered without your consent, but you can still access support..
- University Procedure. If you would like to discuss your options informally before deciding if you want to make a formal complaint to the university, you can do so by submitting a named Report and Support report. Further details can be found on the Student Appeals, Conduct and Complaints page along with the steps and procedures to follow if you choose to make a formal complaint.
- Reporting Anonymously via Crimestoppers. If you are worried about a reporting process, and would prefer to report anonymously, you can report to Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that enables people to share information about crime anonymously. Crimestoppers will send your report to the relevant local police force. Find out more on the Crimestoppers website.
- Police. For non-emergency support dial 101. To find out more about the support available from Kent Police, visit the Kent Police website.
Go To
I'm worried that someone I know is experiencing domestic abuse.