I or someone I know has experienced domestic abuse

We are working closely with IDAS to provide vital services in very difficult circumstances.

Help for YOU

If you are facing isolation with an abusive person, IDAS offer safety planning advice on their website.

You could also consider:

• Getting a spare phone and store emergency contact numbers in it and hide it in a safe place or with a trusted person
• Keeping your ID documents, emergency funds, bank cards and children’s birth certificates to hand
• Speaking to your neighbours and ask them to ring the police if they hear or see anything
• Setting up safe words with friends so they know to call for help on your behalf
• Planning to check in with people regularly so that they can raise the alarm if they don’t hear from you
• Planning to escape to the garden or to a room that you can exit from easily if abusive behaviour escalates
• Avoiding rooms where there could be weapons if the abusive behaviour escalates

For more information email IDAS on [email protected] or call Supporting Victims on 01609 643100, email: [email protected]

I know someone who is or has experienced domestic abuse

If you are worried about a friend; family member; neighbour, or colleague, this advice could help to provide a lifeline:

• Check in with them regularly, if it is safe to do so
• Ask if there is anything that you can look out for that might indicate they need help
• Set up a code word to indicate that help is needed
• Call the Police if you hear or see anything that could indicate a potential risk
• Look at the safety planning advice on the IDAS Website

IDAS Live Chat

IDAS are extending their online Live Chat to help ensure that support is available, even if you are isolated with someone you are afraid of.

Live Chat is available Monday to Friday between 4pm and 6pm via https://www.idas.org.uk.

Visit the website during these times and you will see a Live Chat Box appear at the bottom of the screen.

Type your question into this box and you will be able to chat directly with one of their specialist workers.

Domestic Abuse and Covid-19 FAQs

• Domestic Abuse and Covid-19 FAQs published by IDAS

Domestic Abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

We’re all different, but feeling anxious, scared or even dependant on your abuser or ashamed are all perfectly normal.

Domestic abuse is often not reported because the victim feels trapped and alone. The truth is, it can happen to anybody, and there is support available.

Steps you can take

If you think you are experiencing any type of abuse, or have done in the past, you must always remember that you can get support and help. Nothing that has happened to you is your fault.

You may feel that no-one can help, but just talking to someone here about what you are going through will make you realise that there are people on your side. We can help you understand what choices are available to you and guide you to specialist organisations who can support you in making you and your family safe moving forward.

Remember, if you are unsure, go with your instincts. Anything that doesn’t feel right probably isn’t.