Support for those affected by domestic abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are at risk of domestic abuse you may be feeling anxious or concerned. We want to reassure you that you are not alone and that help and support is available.
Help can include a police response, phone helplines, online support or a refuge. If you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse, train companies are offering free travel to those fleeing domestic abuse Rail to Refuge - Womens Aid.
If you need urgent assistance – please call the Police on: 999.
There is a “Silent Solution” so if you ring 999 but can’t talk, you can cough or tap the handset and follow the instructions for either a mobile where you press 55 and the call will go through to the police. Or, if calling from a landline with only background noise being heard and BT operators can’t decide whether an emergency service is needed, you will be connected to a police call handler. If you hang up, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again. Information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.
The list below gives contact details for help and support if you are affected by domestic abuse:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247. You can also book a safe time online to get a call back
- Refuge: 0808 2000 247. Includes advice on how to secure phones and mobiles
- Warwick District Council Housing Advice: 01926 456129 option 2 for non-urgent advice or information about housing options due to domestic violence.
- Women’s Aid: include online chat, online survivors forum and survivors handbook
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
- Galop: 0800 999 5428. Support for LGBT+
- Respect: 0808 802 4040. Help for the perpetrators of domestic abuse
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000. If you are concerned about a child
- Bright Sky: A free mobile app for support and information which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. You can also visit the Bright Sky website.
- Refuge Domestic Violence Service Warwickshire
- Talk2Someone Warwickshire: 0800 408 1552 You can find Information for victims, perpetrators, family members/friends and professionals on the updated Warwickshire County Council domestic abuse website
If you are a family member, a friend or neighbour of a victim of domestic abuse and you are worried about them, you can be a vital lifeline to them by reassuring them that they can get help and support.
The Government website provides more information and guidance on additional sources of support available Domestic abuse: how to get help - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)