Domestic abuse awareness and information
Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. In most cases this is carried out by a current or ex-partner, but in some cases it is by a family member or carer.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can't speak and are calling on a mobile, press 55 to have your call transferred to the police.
Local Services
If you think a child or young person is at risk, you can find out more information about Children's Safeguarding referrals.
National Services
Support to change abusive behaviour
Local Services
National Services
What domestic abuse is
Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. In most cases this is carried out by a current or ex-partner, but in some cases it is by a family member or carer.
The definition of domestic abuse changed as part of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (legislation.gov.uk) (opens new window).
Domestic abuse can consist of any of the following:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological, emotional or other abuse.
Read more about the different types of domestic abuse and how to recognise unhealthy behaviours on Women’s Aid: I’m not sure if my relationship is healthy (opens new window).
Wiltshire Domestic Abuse Strategies
Wiltshire's Domestic Abuse Strategy
This strategy was produced by the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board, a strategic group comprised of Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Police, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Integrated Care Board, National Probation Service and our community and voluntary sector. Together, we are committed to achieving our shared goals on preventing, supporting and safeguarding those impacted by domestic abuse in Wiltshire, and ensuring access to services early and ensure greater accountability and justice is sought against those perpetrating it.
Draft Wiltshire Domestic Abuse Strategy (gi.ui.mediatype.powerpoint) [2MB] (opens new window)
Domestic Abuse Strategy Implementation Plan Review
In May 2023 Wiltshire's Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board reviewed the progress made against the Domestic Abuse Strategy Implementation Plan in year 2 (2022-23).
Wiltshire's Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategy
This strategy was produced as a requirement of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which introduced a duty for Local Authorities to prepare strategies to provide support for victims of domestic abuse in safe accommodation. The strategy outlines how the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board will work collaboratively to provide a range of support options for victims and their families who have been impacted by domestic abuse. This includes options to access safe accommodation and to be supported to stay safe at home. This work complements existing work taking place across the county to address health and wellbeing, community safety and housing needs of those who are experiencing domestic abuse in Wiltshire.
In February 2024 Wiltshire Council's Public Health Team reviewed the progress made against this grant locally.
The grant review can be found here: Grant Review (gi.ui.mediatype.powerpoint) [445KB] (opens new window)
To find out more about Wiltshire's Domestic Abuse Strategies and for further information for professionals, visit WSVPP: Domestic Abuse (opens new window).
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