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Domestic abuse, sexual harm and violence against women and girls

Staying safe on this page

If you're worried someone might see you looking at this information you can:

If you think your device is being checked, you could use private or incognito browsing. You could also use a trusted device such as a friend's phone, a library computer or another device that feels safer.   

You're not alone 

When you’re ready, we’re here.

If you’ve experienced domestic abuse, sexual harm, or violence, support is available in Barnsley. This includes harm that happens at home, in public, online, or in other places where you should feel safe. 

You might be feeling unsure, scared, or not ready to take action yet - that's okay. Remember that: 

  • abuse is never your fault

  • support is free and confidential

  • you don't have to report abuse to get help

  • you can reach out at any point — whether you need urgent support, you’re unsure what to do, or you just want to talk things through

Safe to speak. Safe to be heard. Safe to be believed. 

Emergency help

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you want to report something or get police advice, call 101.

Choose the support that feels right for you

Whenever you feel ready support is available. Let's take the first step together. 

I need support for myself

Domestic abuse and sexual harm can take many forms. This includes controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional abuse, financial or economic abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, physical abuse and sexual abuse.

You can get support if: 

  • something doesn’t feel right 

  • you’re not sure if it’s abuse 

  • it happened a long time ago 

  • you’re not ready to report it 

  • you just need someone to talk to 

You will be listened to and supported in a way that feels right for you. 

Local support

You can view their websites or call them on the numbers below.  

  • IDAS - Independent Domestic Abuse Service - 03000 110 110

  • BSARCS - Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Service - 01226 320140 

  • GROW - domestic abuse support service (non crisis) - 01709 511171

  • Barnsley Recovery Steps - supports you in making the changes you want with alcohol and other drugs - 01226 779066

National support

You can view their websites or call them on the numbers below.  

I need support for a child or young person 

Children and young people can be affected by domestic abuse.

Even if they're not directly involved, abuse can affect how they feel, behave and develop. This can happen at home, in relationships, or online. 

Support is available from:

I need support for a child or young person 

If you're worried about a child or young person showing harmful behaviour towards a parent, sibling or other family member, early support can help prevent further harm and support positive change.

Cranstoun – Level Up offers early help for young people aged 11 to 15. It supports behaviour change, helps families feel safer, and aims to prevent harmful behaviour from escalating.

Call 0114 321 1377 or email citc@cranstoun.org.uk 

For support with a child or young person’s behaviour, you can contact Early Help. Early Help can work with children, young people and families at the earliest point, helping you talk through what is happening, what support may be needed, and what feels safe and manageable for your family. Call 0800 0345 340.  

Online safety tips

Technology can sometimes be used by others to monitor, control, or harm you.  If you’re worried someone might be monitoring your phone, tablet or computer, these steps can help you stay safer online. You don’t need to do all of them — take what feels possible and safe for you. 

Quick ways to stay safer

  • Use the quick exit button if you need to leave quickly

  • Avoid saving this page as a bookmark if that could be noticed

  • Consider using a private/incognito browser window

  • If possible, use a trusted device (friend/family/library) 

Browsing history and searches

  • You can clear your browsing history after visiting this page

  • Remember: deleting history may be noticed if someone checks your device

  • Find out how to remove your browsing history

Phones, apps and location

  • Check privacy settings on your phone and apps (especially location sharing)

  • Be cautious with social media tagging and location settings

Emails and messages

  • Avoid staying signed in on shared devices

  • If possible, use an email address only you can access

Trust your instincts

If making any of the above changes feels unsafe, don’t do them. Specialist services can talk through safer options with you when you contact them.

If you're worried about technology being used to control or monitor you, support is available from: 

Before opening these links, you may want to use a device or location that feels safe for you. 

  • Digital Breakup  - practical advice on recognising tech abuse and staying safe online 

  • The Cyber Helpline  - free support for anyone experiencing online harm or cyber issues 

I’m worried about my own behaviour

Adult's behaviour

If you're worried about your own behaviour towards a partner, ex-partner or family member, or someone has told you they feel frightened of you, support is available to help you make changes.

Cranstoun – Inspire to Change helps people learn new skills and find better ways to manage and change abusive behaviour. It supports people to understand patterns of abuse and work towards safer behaviour for themselves and others.

Call 0114 321 1377 or email citc@cranstoun.org.uk

I’m worried about someone else

If you’re worried about a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour, you may not know what to say or do. You can still help by:

  • listen without judgement

  • believing what they tell you

  • avoiding pressuring them to leave or report before they're ready

  • sharing support details so they can get help in their own time

You can share these contacts with them:

What is Safe Steps? 

Safe Steps is Barnsley’s coordinated awareness campaign to support people affected by domestic abuse, sexual harm and violence against women and girls (VAWG), and to help professionals, communities and partners recognise abuse and respond safely.

It helps ensure people in Barnsley know:

  • Abuse can happen to anyone

  • Abuse is never your fault

  • Support is available locally

  • You do not need to report to the police to access help

"Safe to speak. Safe to be heard. Safe to be believed."