Violence Against Women and Girls, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

If you are impacted by violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence you are not alone, there is support available.

I have been a victim of Violence Against Women and Girls

There are a number of organisations that can help if you are, or have been, impacted by Violence Against Women and Girls including domestic abuse or sexual violence:

Sanctuary provide domestic abuse services for adults in Plymouth via the Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS). This includes practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse. PDAS provide support for individuals and families in the Plymouth area, including confidential advice, one-to-one and group support sessions. 0800 4582 558
Victim Support Devon and Cornwall provide emotional and practical support to people who have been affected by crime in Devon and Cornwall. 03003030554
Trevi is a local charity offering a range of support for women. The Sunflower Centre offers a safe space for women to receive support and connect with other women. It offers a wraparound therapeutic service for any woman in need in the City. This could include: addictions, mental wellbeing, health, criminogenic behaviours, domestic abuse and social isolation. Every year, Sunflower supports and empowers more than 700 local women, many with complex needs and experience of trauma and abuse.

Should you, or someone you know, need help and support please contact: Sunflower Women’s Centre, Telephone: 01752 977614, email: office@trevi.org.uk
Refuge national domestic abuse helpline provides 24/7 support and advice for women experiencing domestic abuse including support to find refuge accommodation and link in with local services. 0808 2000 247
Women's Aid provide support for women and children at risk of or having experienced domestic abuse. The website includes a live chat function.
First Light is a charity supporting adults and children in Plymouth as well as Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire who have been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.  First Light is independent of statutory agencies, including the Police, and every year they help thousands of adults and children in the South West to lead safer lives, free from violence and abuse. This includes a Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapy and Counselling Service and a Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor (ISVA) Service.
Devon Rape Crisis provides free and confidential sexual violence support. Their confidential helpline and email support services are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6pm to 9pm on 01392 204 174 or support@devonrapecrisis.org.uk.
Rape Crisis National Helpline operates 24/7 providing support for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence – at any point in their life.  This includes people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse themselves, as well as their friends, family or anyone else who is trying to support them. 0808 5002 222
The Survivor Pathways offers services for people who have survived non-recent rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse (Regional).
Intercom Trust is an LGBT+ led charity, proudly working to improve wellbeing and inclusion across the South West. They have specialist domestic abuse workers in Devon and Cornwall. Call: 0800 612 3010
Barnardo's Exceed Service | Barnardo's (barnardos.org.uk) The service works to tackle child exploitation across Cornwall and Devon. And support young people aged 8-18-years old and up to 25 for care experienced young people and those with additional needs. Call: 01752 256339
Olive Project provide specialist support to black and minoritised victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.  You can access support via email through their website or by calling 07990858510 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Clare’s Law, also know as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), is a police policy giving people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse. The scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009. It was formally rolled out in England and Wales in 2014, following the landmark campaign led by Clare’s father Michael Brown. Find out more from Devon and Cornwall Police.
The Deaf health charity - SignHealth educate, empower, and protect Deaf people from all forms of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Text 078600 33214, Email info@signhealth.org.uk, Call 020 3947 2600

Support for men and boys affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence

Sanctuary provide domestic abuse services for adults in Plymouth via the Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS). This includes practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse. PDAS provide support for individuals and families in the Plymouth area, including confidential advice, one-to-one and group support sessions. 08004582558
First Light is a charity supporting adults and children in Plymouth as well as Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire who have been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.  First Light is independent of statutory agencies, including the Police, and every year they help thousands of adults and children in the South West to lead safer lives, free from violence and abuse. This includes a Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapy and Counselling Service and a Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor (ISVA) Service.
Devon Rape Crisis provides free and confidential sexual violence support. Their confidential helpline and email support services are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6pm to 9pm on 01392 204 174 or support@devonrapecrisis.org.uk.
Respect Men’s Advice Line provides support to male victims of domestic abuse.  They have phone, email and webchat as well as an information hub on their website 0808 801 0327.
Rape Crisis National Helpline operates 24/7 providing support for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence – at any point in their life.  This includes people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse themselves, as well as their friends, family or anyone else who is trying to support them. 08085002222
The Survivor Pathways offers services for people who have survived non-recent rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse (Regional).
Barnardo's Exceed Service | Barnardo's (barnardos.org.uk) The service works to tackle child exploitation across Cornwall and Devon. And support young people aged 8-18-years old and up to 25 for care experienced young people and those with additional needs. Call: 01752 256339
Intercom Trust is an LGBT+ led charity, proudly working to improve wellbeing and inclusion across the South West.  They have specialist domestic abuse workers in Devon and Cornwall. Call: 0800 612 3010
Operation Emotion is a Plymouth based charity providing services to adult male survivors of sexual violence.

Support for people concerned about their own behaviour

Ahimsa provide specialist support to change the behaviour of people aged 18 and over who are concerned about their abusive behaviour towards their partner or ex-partner or family members.  They also support current or ex-partners of those working with their behaviour change programme.
Respect run a national helpline for people concerned about their behaviour towards their current or ex-partner or family members.
The Devon Interpersonal Trauma Response Service run by Fear Free offers support to people affected by domestic and sexual abuse including those worried about their own behaviour towards others. If you have a Devon GP you can get in contact with them to link you in with support.
Stop It Now is run by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. Their helpline provides support to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts and behaviour. 08081000900