Domestic Abuse

Are you worried about your safety at home?

Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic has been a trigger for abuse to take place in some relationships for the first time. If you’d like to talk to someone in confidence, you can find support from the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/.

If you are a male victim, you can access support through the Men’s Advice Helpline on 0808 8010327

  • Do you constantly worry how your partner will react?
  • Do you feel like you must be careful what you say around your partner?
  • Do you feel you need your partner’s permission to do things?
  • Has your partner isolated you from other people?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s important to ask for help. Domestic abuse can be physical, mental, emotional or financial. If you’re concerned about the signs in your relationship, we’re here for you to talk to.

The Government has a detailed webpage Domestic Abuse: Get help where you can find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse. In particular the governed pages have translated guidance, welfare benefits and housing advice as well as advice on how to get legal help.

The paged also give details on the domestic abuse code-word scheme. If someone is experiencing domestic abuse and needs immediate help, they can ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy.  ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately but also sounds phonetically like the name Annie. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they are ready to help.

They will offer the person a private space, provide a phone and ask if they need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.

The government has compiled a list of advice and support for those suffering from domestic abuse; it could help you to access the support you need: www.gov.uk/government/publi…ovid-19-support-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse

Bright Sky

If you are concerned about domestic abuse, we know it can be hard to find support. That’s why Bright Sky was developed.

Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.

Bright Sky helps you to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond, and help someone find a safe route to support.

Download Bright Sky today because you never know when you might need it to save someone’s life.

Further help and advice

Feeling isolated? Worried you’re treading on eggshells? Partner checking your bank, phone and restricting your activities? Domestic abuse is more common than you might expect, and help is available: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Domestic abuse shouldn’t happen to anyone, in any relationship, ever. If you’re in a LGBT+ relationship and are being threatened with “outing” or abuse, this is not OK! Galop’s domestic abuse helpline is available on 0800 999 5428 or visit www.galop.org.uk/

Boots stores are offering a safe place to seek help if you’re suffering from domestic abuse. Simply go to a Boots store and ask for a consultation; you’ll be shown to a private consultation room and will be offered help and support in a safe and secure environment. www.boots-uk.com/our-storie…me-safe-spaces-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse/

Women’s Aid have a brilliant ‘Rail to Refuge’ scheme running during COVID-19. If you need to leave an abuser to travel to a refuge, just contact Women’s Aid and they’ll help you to access support and transport.
www.turn2us.org.uk/About-Us/News/Women-s-AId-Rail-to-Refuge-Scheme

The National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse project is a collaborative scheme that aims to make it easier for LGBT+ people to seek support with housing, counselling and resources, to enable them to safely leave an abusive relationship. www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/

If you’re concerned about domestic abuse in your relationship and want to read more online, but are worried your partner is watching you, this useful page will ensure you cover your tracks on your search history and internet activities: www.womensaid.org.uk/cover-your-tracks-online/

Acknowledging that your partner is abusing you is a difficult step to take for both women and men. Domestic abuse can happen to any man – no matter what age, background, race or sexuality. ManKind Initiative say they have calls from builders to bankers, dustmen to doctors. This charity offers a confidential helpline for victims who need support. Reach out if you need advice: www.mankind.org.uk/help-for-victims/types-of-domestic-abuse/