Supporting People Affected by Domestic Abuse
Professionals play a crucial role in early identification, safe disclosure and connecting individuals with the right help. This page outlines how we can support you and where to make a referral.
If you are working with someone who may be experiencing domestic abuse, we can offer specialist advice, guidance and support to help you respond safely and confidently.
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Support & Advice
Our team provides guidance for professionals across all sectors including health, social care, education, housing and community organisations. We can help you:
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spot indicators of domestic abuse
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respond safely to disclosures
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assess risk and consider next steps
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explore appropriate referral pathways
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access specialist support for your client
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to know where to turn, and we’re here to help.
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Training
We offer training designed to build confidence and competence when working with people experiencing domestic abuse. Sessions can include:
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recognising domestic abuse
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trauma‑informed practice
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responding to disclosures
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coercive control
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safety planning
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professional responsibilities and pathways
Training can be tailored for teams or delivered as part of wider multi‑agency learning.
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Co-Working
Supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse often requires coordinated, multi‑agency work and may include:
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discussing concerns and exploring risk
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support with safety planning
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helping you navigate referral pathways and available services
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guidance on trauma‑informed practice
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sharing specialist insight to complement your professional role
While all referrals should go through the helpline, we are committed to working collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people you support.
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Referral Pathways
We can help you understand the local support network and identify the most appropriate services for your client. This includes:
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specialist domestic abuse support
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refuge and emergency accommodation
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safety planning
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perpetrator programmes
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multi‑agency risk processes (e.g., MARAC)
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Safety Planning
We can support you in developing safe, practical plans with individuals experiencing domestic abuse. This may include:
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identifying immediate risks
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planning safe communication
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supporting children’s safety
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preparing for crisis situations
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exploring longer‑term options
Safety plans are tailored to each person’s circumstances and can be adapted as situations change.
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Emergency Accommodation
If your client needs immediate safe accommodation, we can provide information about local and national refuge options and guide you through the process of securing a place quickly and discreetly.
For urgent refuge referrals, please contact the helpline directly on:
08000 198 668.
Making a Referral
The Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline acts as the single point of access for domestic abuse services across Derbyshire. Professionals can contact the helpline directly for advice, guidance or to discuss concerns.
Phone: 08000 198 668
Text: 07534 617 252
Email: derbyshiredahelpline@theelmfoundation.org.uk
If you need to make a referral, you can use the secure online referral form hosted by the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline:
👉 Referral Form: https://www.derbyshiredomesticabusehelpline.co.uk/professionals/ (Scroll to the referral section.)
For urgent refuge enquiries or referrals, please call the helpline directly.