MOD’s Families Hub is now in its second year – have you used it yet?

 

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Defence Update: Blow the whistle - Domestic abuse support for Armed Forces families

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June, people are urged to: Stop, Notice, and Act against domestic abuse. Don’t look away.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup – which will take place from 11 June to 19 July – is a time for celebration, community and a shared love for the game. But for some people, this period is marked by increased domestic abuse.

Research shows that domestic abuse incidents rise by 38% when England loses, and by 26% when they win or draw.

Football itself does not cause domestic abuse, but major tournaments can bring factors that raise the risk. This includes emotional stress, alcohol and substance use, financial pressures and gambling.

When something isnʼt right – in relationships, at home, at work, or in our communities – “blow the whistle”. That means recognising abuse, signposting to support, and speaking up if you witness or experience abusive behaviour.

ACORN programme run by ManKind for male survivors of domestic abuse who are looking to move on to new relationships

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This course has less that six months left to run, so please take full advantage of this opportunity.

ManKind ACORN programme

Aurora New Dawn - Armed Forces Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Stalking Helpline

The new Aurora New Dawn Armed Forces Helpline for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking is now live.

This Helpline is for any members of the Royal Navy British Army and Royal Air Force and their family members, including those deployed abroad, who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence or Stalking. 

The Helpline operates 6 days a week. It is independent, confidential, and free.

 

Launched on the 31st March 2025, and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and the Army Benevolent Fund the Helpline has already exceeded the number of contacts anticipated.

At Aurora, we understand that the Armed Forces Community is unique, and we know that service life brings with it a number of challenges which can make it harder to talk about these issues.

The Helpline has been designed with an understanding of these specific needs in mind. Many of our specialist team are from Forces families or are ex service personnel. They understand service life, and how difficult it can be to talk about what is happening.  We want to make sure that victim/survivors with links to the armed forces get specialist support that has been designed with them and for them.

Need help?

Get support from the Armed Forces Helpline via phone +44 (0)333 0912 527 (GMT): 0900-1500 Monday to Friday

Get support from the Armed Forces Helpline via WhatsApp on +44 (0)333 0912 527: Monday 0900-1500 / Wednesday & Thursday 1700-2000 / Sunday 1000-140

'Travel to Refuge' scheme - free travel for those fleeing domestic abuse.

Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes:

Rail to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse. Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse.

For more information please visit: Travel to Refuge

Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy.

Defence sets out commitments to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in a new cross government strategy published on 18 Dec.

To view the Strategy documents, please go to: Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy - GOV.UK

BRUNEI: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - Domestic Abuse

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Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) - What are the Signs of Domestic Abuse?

Does Your Partner…..

Isolate you from friends and family?

Deprive you of food or heating?

Monitor your time?

check up on what you do online?

Take control over aspects of your everyday life, telling you where you can go, who you can see, what you can wear and when you can sleep?

Stop you from getting medical help or support?

Repeatedly put you down, such as saying you’re worthless?

Humiliate or degrade you?

Control your money and access to your home?

Make threats or intimidate you?

Has physically abused you?