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Domestic abuse: how libraries can help

What is domestic abuse?computer key labelled help

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, age or physical ability. It is perpetuated by people of all ages, and can be your spouse, partner, parent, child, or someone else you have a close relationship with. Domestic abuse can be physical, verbal, financial or emotional. 

What help is available in Medway?

  • Medway Police Domestic Abuse Team can be contacted by dialling 101 by email domestic.violence.dz@kent.pnn.police.uk. Call 999 in an emergency.
  • Details of the Medway Domestic Abuse Forum and other useful contacts are available on the domestic violence page.
  • Domestic Abuse Support One Stop Shop is a confidential drop-in service held every Tuesday from 9.30am-12noon at the Sunlight Trust in Richmond Road, Gillingham. Call 01634 332091 for more details.  
  • There are 12 refuges in Kent and Medway. Refuges provide safe supported accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Dove Project helpline (01702 300006) will advise of Refuge vacancies in Kent, Sussex and Essex. National Women’s Aid (0808 2000247) will be able to advise of spaces across the UK.
  • West Kent Lifeways offer assessment for housing related floating support, information and referral to agencies providing housing support to victims of domestic abuse. They can be contacted at 01634 727304.
  • Kent (and Medway) Domestic Abuse Information Line 0845 603 6813
  • The domestic abuse service in Kent and Medway provides advice and information on services for victims, friends and family, and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse

How can Medway Libraries help?

Medway Libraries can offer free, objective information and resources in a safe and neutral environment.

Free internet access

If you think your internet activities may be being monitored, it may be difficult to search for the information and support that you need. Medway Libraries offers free internet access in all 16 branches. To register for free internet access, please visit the getting started page.

Booklistphoto of a tall stack of bookss

Check out the domestic abuse booklist.

If you would like more information about health issues that can be caused by or affected by domestic abuse why not try our books can help collection.

Useful web links: national organisations

  • The Citizens Advice Bureau helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice.
  • Refuge offers women and children a range of support services.
  • Women's Aid is the key national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. 
  • The Men's Advice Line  is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men, in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
  • Respect Information and advice for those who are abusive towards their partners
  • ManKind offers support for male victims of domestic violence or domestic abuse.
  • Broken Rainbow provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and those questioning their gender identity (LGBTQ) experiencing domestic violence.
  • Karma Nirvana is a registered charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
  • The RSPCA Pet Retreat is an advice and pet fostering services for families fleeing domestic abuse.

 

For more information contact Medway Libraries by telephone: 01634 337799 / TextRelay 18001 01634 333333 or by email: chatham.library@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Medway Libraries, Chatham Community Hub, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TX

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