The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (opens in a new window) creates a statutory definition of domestic abuse, which is:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

• psychological / emotional – for example victim-blaming, name-calling, belittling
• physical – for example hurting or threatening to hurt physically
• sexual – for example forced to take part in unwanted, unsafe or degrading activity
• economic – for example restricting finances / access to work, getting a victim into debt
• coercive control – for example isolating, monitoring, threats, humiliation"

The act also recognises the impact of domestic abuse on those who are ‘personally connected’ and defines what is meant by this as:

“…intimate partners, ex-partners, family members or individuals who share parental responsibility for a child.”

There is no requirement for the victim and perpetrator to live in the same household. Also the Domestic Abuse Act recognises that a child who sees or hears, or experiences the effects of, domestic abuse and is related to the person being abused or the perpetrator is also to be regarded as a victim of domestic abuse.

Help for those experiencing domestic abuse

In Derbyshire, there is one helpline number to call if someone is experiencing domestic abuse. The Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline is facilitated by The Elm Foundation. To report or discuss domestic abuse, contact:

The Elm Foundation - telephone: 08000 198 668 (available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (opens in a new window).

In an emergency, or if anyone is in any immediate danger, always telephone the Police: 999.

Referral process for professionals who are supporting victims of domestic abuse

Professionals providing support to a victim of domestic abuse should consult the domestic abuse referral guide on the Safer Derbyshire (opens in a new window) website. The domestic abuse and the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) referral forms are for professionals to complete. Whenever a referral is made to MARAC, a referral must also be made to the relevant Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) team (opens in a new window). IDVAs cover all areas of the county. IDVAs Serve as a victim's primary point of contact, working with their clients from the point of crisis to constantly assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop safety plans.

For Derbyshire and Derby IDVA Service telephone: 01332 985111.

Core service: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Duty service: Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from 10am to 6pm

Bolsover District only IDVA Service, telephone 01246 593063 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (opens in a new window).

Email the referral form via secure This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.(opens in a new window).

Derbyshire County and Derby City, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (opens in a new window).

Agencies using a .cjsm account please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (opens in a new window).

If you need advice, as outlined previously, please call The Elm Foundation helpline, telephone: 08000 198 668.