If you are concerned about Domestic Abuse during the coronavirus lockdown period, here is some tips that may help, as well as links and numbers to support services at the bottom of this article.
You can find advice released by the Government, in regards to coronavirus and domestic abuse at https://bit.ly/39wMLhY
- Speak to a trusted neighbour, family member or friend and arrange a safe word and emoji that can be texted to them quickly in an emergency so they know to contact 999.
- Keep phones topped up, charged and accessible.
- You can download a personal safety phone apps like Hollie (https://hollieguard.com/), which can silently contact designated people with a shake or tap of a phone. It can also work if deceleration, impact or non-movement is detected.
- Some support services detailed at the bottom of this article include support via video calling and WhatsApp
- If in a situation where violence is escalating, try to move away from the kitchen where there are sharp or heavy objects and stay close to the exits or any lockable rooms you can barricade yourself in while you get help.
- Asking family members or friends to regularly check up on you online or over the phone is also useful, and a good way to offset the pressure self-isolation and hard times impose on mental health.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Some other useful links and numbers:
Harbour:
Refuge
0808 2000 247
Refuge run a range of specialist services to help survivors access safety and rebuild their lives. They understand each person’s circumstances and needs are different and that survivors need different services at different times. This accessible to women and men, victims and perpetrators.
Women’s Aid
0845 702 3468
Women’s Aid is the national domestic abuse charity that helps up to 250,000 women and children each year.
Arch North East
Arch North East are a registered charity based in Teesside offering free and confidential counselling and ISVA support to people who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the experience may have been
Mens Advice Line
0808 801 0327
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members).
Respect
02035596650
Working with the cause of the problem.
Broken Rainbow
07812 644 914
Broken Rainbow provides support for people from the LGBT community experiencing domestic abuse
Rape Crisis Federation (England and Wales)
0808 802 9999
The Rape Crisis Federation acts as a referral service to individual women who are seeking advice or support around the issues of rape and sexual abuse and assault by putting them in contact with their nearest rape and sexual abuse counselling service.
Rights of Women
National organisation offering free legal advice to women.
The Samaritans
08457 90 90 90
A nationwide charity which provides 24- hour confidential, emotional support for anyone in crisis. There is a national number and there are local numbers which can be found in the telephone directory.
Victim Support
0845 30 30 900 (Monday to Friday 9am-9pm weekends 9am-7pm)
Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime. It is an independent organisation, offering a free and confidential service, irrespective of whether or not a crime has been reported.
Cleveland Police
www.cleveland.police.uk/advice-information/DomesticAbuse.aspx
Advice and information provided by Cleveland Police.
Crimestoppers
0800 555 111
An independent charity that gives people the power to speak up to stop crime 100% anonomously.
Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247
Supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage
