Domestic abuse occurs and presents itself, in many different ways, but at the core, it is about one person controlling another and this is particularly relevant at this time of the coronavirus. Families are forced to remain at home together maybe because of lockdown, sickness or unemployment and many will feel they have no one to turn to, as normal support networks are closed due to social distancing.
Below are some support services and strategies to consider if you are at risk of harm or you know someone who is:
- Do you act differently when your partner is around in an effort to not upset them?
- Do you feel controlled in the way you think and act, are you in charge of your finances?
- Do you suffer physical injuries or emotional abuse?
- Are threats made to your children, pets or those around you
Is this you?
- Contact the Police – The police continue to be available 24/7 to those reporting domestic abuse or those in need of help. They can be contacted on 999 in an emergency or 101 for advice. The police remain committed to providing the best services for all those suffering abuse and people should feel confident that they will be listened to and appropriate action taken. See more here
- Get support – Not ready to contact the police then speak with Refuge the 24/7 National Helpline for domestic abuse they will provide advice and support and allow you to discuss options. 0800 2000 247 nationaldahelpline.org.uk
- Record injuries and incidents – Keep a diary and photographs of injuries, items damaged, or threats made. Store this in a safe place, maybe send an email to a friend or store online
- Tell someone – Being able to speak to someone breaks the isolation and may keep you safe because they are there to support you
- Escape plan – Consider having clothing and money available should you need to leave suddenly, this should be stored in a safe place, maybe with a friend or family member
Are you worried about someone else?
- Are you concerned for their safety – if you ever feel someone is at risk of significant harm or their children are then the police should be contacted on 999 immediately and a third party report made.
- Thirtyone:eight Safeguarding Helpline, available 24/7 – Contact our Helpline to discuss your concerns so we can signpost you to the relevant support services 0303 003 1111 option 2
Other support groups*
Restored – Christian charity providing advice and training to churches restoredrelationships.org
The Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation - Provides assistance and support to Kurdish, Farsi and Arabic-speaking women living in London ikwro.org.uk 020 7920 6460
Southall Black Sisters - Supports the needs of black (Asian and African-Caribbean) women southallblacksistersorg.uk 020 8571 0800
Ashiana Project - Provides temporary, safe housing for South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women aged 16-30 experiencing domestic violence. Helps those who may be suffering from violence and threats of violence at the hands of their family or community (honour-based violence) or from forced marriage ashiana.org.uk 020 8539 0427 or 020 8539 9656
National helplines
Domestic Violence Assist - Specialises in assistance to obtain emergency injunctions from being further abused dvassist.org.uk 0800 195 8699
National Centre for Domestic Violence - Specialises in assistance to get emergency injunctions from being further abused ncdv.org.uk 0800 970 2070
Women’s Aid Domestic Violence Helpline - Free 24-hour national helpline run by Women’s Aid and Refuge womensaid.org.uk 0808 2000 247
Hourglass - The Hourglass confidential helpline provides information and support to anyone concerned about harm, abuse or exploitation of an older person wearehourglass.org 0808 808 8141
Men’s Advice Line - Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse mensadviceline.org.uk 0808 801 0327
Mankind – Charity that supports male victims of abuse mankind.org.uk
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline - Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people galop.org.uk 0800 999 5428
National Stalking Helpline - Guidance on the law, how to report stalking, gathering evidence, staying safe and reducing the risk suzylamplugh.org 0808 802 0300
Victim Support - Free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family and friends victimsupport.org.uk 0808 1689 111
*Thirtyone:eight is not responsible for the content of external internet sites and inclusion does not constitute endorsement
