Ahead of Domestic Abuse Awareness month in October we would like to spread awareness and provide some vital information for anyone who requires support. #domesticviolenceawareness
Firstly, if you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak and are calling on a mobile press 55 to have your call transferred to the police. If you are on a landline do not panic, you will automatically be transferred to the police if the call handler cannot determine which emergency service is needed. You can respond by coughing or tapping on the handset.
Domestic abuse can come in all different forms it isn’t always physical: not all bruises are visible.
If you think you may be a victim of this or someone you know you can get support by calling 08082000247 or 08081689111. You can also download the ‘Bright Sky’ mobile app and website. Only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isn’t being monitored.
You can also visit a boots and other participating pharmacies and use the codeword ANI (Action Needed Immediately) you will be offered a private space, provided with a phone and asked if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
If you think you might be an abuser please contact the Respect Phoneline on 08088024040. This is an anonymous and confidential helpline for men and women who are abusing their partners and families. It is open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm. The helpline also takes calls from partners or ex-partners, friends and relatives who are concerned about perpetrators. A webchat service is also available Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 11am and from 3pm to 4pm.
Here are some (but not all) signs of Domestic Abuse
Does your partner…
Get jealous or possessive?
Dissuade/stop you from seeing family or friends?
Monitor your movements?
Tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go or what to think?
Criticise and accuse you?
Threaten you, your pets or people you care about?
Check your phone?
Decide how you spend your money?
Humiliate, ridicule or shame you in front of others?
Refuse to let you spend time alone?
Make you question your achievements, professional competence or self-worth?
Change their mood from one moment to the next?
Make you feel frightened or unsafe?
Move you away from your support network?
You can find more signs and support details on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
