Domestic abuse and sexual violence - guidance for professionals
Domestic abuse and sexual violence can happen to anyone. Victims can be any age, gender, race or class.
Abusive behaviour includes:
- physical, sexual and emotional abuse
- controlling behaviour
- threats and intimidation
- economic abuse
- harassment and stalking
Sexual violence is a non-consensual sexual act involving force or coercion.
It includes:
- rape or sexual assault
- sexual harassment
- female genital mutilation
Supporting victims of abuse
You may be the first person someone discloses their abuse to. You need to know how to respond and help them access specialist help.
Domestic abuse support
Change Grow Live provide domestic abuse support in East Sussex.
Professionals can refer anyone in East Sussex aged 16+ affected by:
- domestic abuse
- sexual abuse
- violence
Refuge services
Clarion provide refuge services in East Sussex. To make a referral:
- Email (secure) for agencies with a CJSM account: referrals.eastsussex@ca.cjsm.net
- Email (non-secure), password protected: referrals.eastsussex@clarionhg.com
Guidance for professionals
Government plans
The steps to take to ensure victims get the support they need.
How frontline officers must apply the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law:
Pan-Sussex publications
- Pan-Sussex Strategy for domestic abuse accommodation and support 2021-2024 | Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner
- Pan-Sussex Strategic Framework for domestic and sexual violence and abuse, and violence against women and girls 2021-2024. This document is not accessible to users of assistive technology. To receive a copy, please email SafeinEastSussex@eastsussex.gov.uk
