Domestic abuse remains one of the most widespread but underreported crimes in our community. Change is only possible when we all play a part and we can do this by reporting abuse, supporting those in need, and funding grassroots organisations like ours. Together, we can help build a county where no one suffers in silence.
Report It
According to the latest Hertfordshire Constabulary figures (April–May 2025), there were 1,779 reported domestic abuse-related violent crimes, including 676 incidents of stalking and harassment — a rise of over 22% compared with the same period last year. These numbers show that more people are speaking out, but they also highlight the scale of the issue across our county.
When abuse happens, reporting matters:
Call 101 to report non-emergency incidents to Hertfordshire Police. Every report is logged, and you’ll be given a crime number — an essential step in building evidence and ensuring action can be taken if and when it needs to.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always dial 999. f you are in danger and need to call the police but cannot speak, dial 999, wait for the operator, and then press 55 to let them know you require emergency assistance without speaking.
You can also make a disclosure request under Claire’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme), which allows people to find out if a partner has a history of violence or abuse. More details here: Hertfordshire Constabulary – Claire’s Law Please note, the findings of these applications will always be given to the person in the relationship with the suspect.
The language used when reporting domestic abuse is vital. Describing behaviours clearly, such as stalking, harassment, financial or coercive control, ensures the seriousness of the situation is recognised. Accurate wording helps police record incidents correctly, strengthens cases, and makes sure survivors get the right protection and support.
Abuse doesn’t just happen at home. Workplaces have a key role to play in keeping people safe. Employers should consider appointing Safeguarding Leads or Domestic Abuse Champions, who act as trusted points of contact for disclosures, ensuring that staff feel safe, heard, and supported.
Support It
Supporting survivors goes beyond crisis moments — it’s about creating a community that refuses to tolerate abuse in any form.
Locally, Herts County Council deliver J9 Sunflower Training, which equips members of the public with the tools to recognise abuse and signpost people to help. We also run education and awareness sessions to help workplaces create safer, more supportive cultures.
Every share of this blog post, every reshare of our social media content, and every conversation you start sends a powerful message:
👉 We will not tolerate domestic abuse or violence against women and girls.
👉 We are advocates, and we stand with survivors.
When you use your voice, you might be the reason someone finds the courage to seek help.
In recent months, Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner, has issued an urgent warning: specialist services are being pushed to the brink of collapse unless funding stabilises—putting survivors' safety at risk. Over the past five years, 56% of domestic abuse support services have faced funding cuts, with over a quarter forced to turn children away due to resource shortages. Domestic Abuse Commissioner
Jacobs has also joined forces with the Victims’ Commissioner in writing to the Prime Minister ahead of the latest Spending Review, stressing that without bold investment, the government is on track to miss its pledge to halve violence against women and girls, and that survivors could lose access to essential support.
Fund It
Grassroots organisations like the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline rely on community donations to keep our service running. Unlike larger national charities, we are embedded in our local area, ensuring survivors get the specialist, accessible, and compassionate support they deserve.
Ways you can help:
Make a one-off or regular donation to The Helpline.
Or, If you’re a business, partner with us here: Corporate Support for HDAH – Local Business collaboration 2025.pdf
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to answer the phone, train community members to become volunteer call takers and deliver life changing support.
Together we can break the silence. Report it. Support it. Fund it.