Domestic, Sexual and Physical Abuse

Accessible Domestic Violence Resources

British Sign Language:

Easy to read guide to domestic abuse: EasyRead leaflet

UK Government

Government guidance on domestic abuse: Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for victims of domestic abuse

Bright Sky

Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is available to use in Polish, Punjabi and Urdu.

To download the Android app click here.

To download the iPhone app click here.

SafeLives – Ending domestic abuse

A guide for victims and survivors of domestic abuse: Staying safe during COVID-19

Respect – Men’s advice line

Domestic abuse affects men too. Our friendly Men’s Advice Line Advisors will believe you, offer you non-judgemental emotional support, practical advice and information. Call: 0808 8010327. Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk Online: Get help

Respect – Help for perpetrators, as well as victims, of abuse

When the world feels unsafe, don’t make your home unsafe. Get help to manage your behaviour. Respect calls on perpetrators of domestic abuse to get help to manage and change their behaviour: Have you been abusive?

Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse – help for employees when home is not a safe place

The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis presents us with a challenging time and we are particularly concerned about those facing domestic abuse who are required to work at home. Work is often their only safe space: Support for those facing domestic abuse

Refuge – For women and children. Against domestic violence

Refuge supports women and children who experience all forms of violence and abuse, including domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour’-based violence, and human trafficking and modern slavery. Online support: Get help Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Standing together Against Domestic Violence

At this time, Standing Together Against Domestic Violence recognises the evermore importance of a coordinated community response (CCR) to maximise the safety of those experiencing domestic abuse. We have been working closely with our partners to develop guidance to ensure we continue to provide the highest level of support. Read our latest Covid-19 guidance and procedures

Women’s Aid

A personal safety plan is a way of helping you to protect yourself and your children. It helps you plan in advance for the possibility of future violence and abuse. It also helps you to think about how you can increase your safety either within the relationship, or if you decide to leave. Making a safety plan

DAHA – Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance

Guidance for housing providers on how to offer safe responses to tenants and service users. Housing providers are uniquely placed to access people in their homes; their response to domestic abuse is therefore even more important during these times. COVID-19: Advice and resources for housing providers

Surviving Economic Abuse

Domestic abuse takes many forms. Some abusers repeatedly dictate their partner’s choices and control their everyday actions, becoming violent or threatening to become violent if their demands are refused. An abuser may restrict how their partner acquires, uses and maintains money and economic resources, such as accommodation, food, clothing and transportation. This behaviour is known as economic abuse. SEA’s vision is a world in which women and girls achieve economic equality and can live their lives free of abuse and exploitation. Resources

Victim Support

If you’ve been affected by crime, there are a number of ways you can contact us to get support or information. Call our Supportline for free on 0808 16 89 111, 24/7. Online: Get help

NSPCC – National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

Witnessing domestic abuse is child abuse. If you’re worried about a child, we have advice to help you keep them safe: Information and support

Hourglass (Action on Elder Abuse)

The Hourglass confidential helpline provides information and support to anyone concerned about harm, abuse or exploitation of an older person. This might include physical, financial, psychological, sexual or neglect. The Hourglass helpline is entirely confidential, free to call from a landline or mobile, and the number won’t appear on your phone bill. Help is just a phone call away. Ring us on: 0808 808 8141. Online: Information and advice

Incidence of Domestic Abuse increased during the first lock-down

The Office for National Statistics this week published a briefing paper sharing the data from a range of data sources to assess the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on domestic abuse in England and Wales.

Domestic abuse is often a hidden crime that is not reported to the police. Therefore, data held by the police can only provide a partial picture of the actual level of domestic abuse experienced. Many cases will not enter the criminal justice process as they are not reported to the police.

With the exception of controlling or coercive behaviour, domestic abuse is not a specific criminal offence. However, the police are required to flag when an offence is domestic abuse-related.

From March to June 2020 the police recorded more than a quarter of a million domestic abuse-related offences, a 7% increase the same period in 2019 and an 18% increase from in 2018. The number of offences has been increasing in recent years, so it is not possible to determine exactly how the increase relates directly to the pandemic period.

Provisional data show there were 64 domestic homicides recorded by police in England and Wales in the first six months of 2020, of which 30 occurred in the period April to June 2020.

The data report can be found here

Women’s Aid Rail to Refuge scheme

Accessing money can be difficult for women experiencing domestic abuse, particularly if they are experiencing financial abuse. This can stop women from travelling to safety and may be a huge barrier to support.

Launched in the March 2020 by railway station manager, Darren O’Brien, the Women’s Aid Rail to Refuge scheme means that survivors with a confirmed refuge space can travel for free across England, Scotland and Wales. The cost of tickets is covered by the Rail Delivery Group and has been extended until the end of March 2021.

Once the person has contacted a women’s aid service and a refuge vacancy has been confirmed a ticket can be allocated.

For further information see https://www.womensaid.org.uk/rail-to-refuge/