Domestic Abuse

If you have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse, you may feel a number of emotions. There is no right or wrong way to feel. The University of Chester understands there are many barriers to disclosing domestic abuse and that it can be difficult to access support.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse involves harmful behaviours used to control or hurt someone, usually by a partner, ex-partner, or family member. It can include:

• Control: The abuser tries to take charge of the victim's life, such as deciding who they can see, where they can go, or what they can do.
• Coercion: The abuser forces the victim to do things they don't want to do by using threats or intimidation.
• Threats and Violence: The abuser might use words or actions to scare, harm, or humiliate the victim.

This abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.

How to report?

Please call the Police on 999 if you are in immediate danger.

You can also find other options about reporting domestic abuse to the police here

You can read more about how to report an incident of domestic abuse to the University or the police with your contact details (link through to page explaining “report with contact details”).

You can read more about how to report an incident of domestic abuse to the University or the police anonymously.

Please note, if you provide any identifiable details in your report, the police may be able to identify who you are.

How to get support?

University Support

The Wellbeing and Mental Health team can provide confidential advice and support for you and other students who may have been affected by an incident of domestic abuse and/or violence. You can contact them by emailing: studentservices@chester.ac.uk or calling: 01244 511 550.

Student Counselling is a free counselling service available to all students that provides a confidential, safe space for you to talk. You can complete a self-referral by emailing: studentservices@chester.ac.uk 

External Support

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can provide support to women experiencing domestic abuse. They can be contacted via a 24 hour free helpline on: 0808 2000 247, an online live chat service available Monday to Friday between 3 PM – 6 PM and a secure web form on their website

Men's Advice Line offers advice, information and emotional support for men experiencing domestic abuse. You can contact them 0808 801 0327 or by visiting their website

Victim Support can talk you through reporting options and provide localised support to those experiencing domestic abuse. Find your local Victim Support Service via their  website   

LGBT Foundation is a national helpline that provides support and information to those identifying as LGBT+ who are experiencing domestic abuse. You can contact them on 0345 330 30 30 or by visiting their website

Download Bright Sky app - free to download, this app provides support and information to anybody in an abusive relationship. The app is disguised as a weather app, so you can maintain your privacy.

'Ask for ANI' (Action Needed Immediately) is a scheme ​​that provides a safe space ​for victims of domestic abuse to access help and support​ from their local pharmacy. ​Victims can contact the police, call a specialist domestic abuse helpline, or speak with a family member or friend in a confidential space. ANI is delivered in partnership with Safe Spaces, to find your local safe space and for more information, click here.

The Halo Project operate a national specialist support telephone line for those experiencing, or at risk of, domestic and sexual violence, including HBA, FGM and forced marriage. You can contact them by calling 01642 683045, emailing info@haloproject.org.uk or visiting their website