Wednesday 18 December 2024
Domestic Violence and Abuse
Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members. It can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.
You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.
Help if you are in immediate danger
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
How to call police when you can't speak
If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing or tapping on the handset.
Call 999 from a Mobile
If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard and this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.
Call 999 from a landline
If the operator can only hear background noise and cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, you will be connected to a police call handler.
If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again.
When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.
If you are deaf or can’t use a phone
You can register with the emergencySMS. Text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.
Find out how to call the police when you can’t speak
For free, confidential advice, 24 hours a day contact a domestic abuse helpline.
Get Help and Support
All forms of domestic abuse are not acceptable in any situation.
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by, a partner, an ex-partner or family member, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help.
It may seem like a difficult step to take, but there is support available and #YouAreNot Alone.
Safe Spaces
Safes Spaces are safe, confidential rooms where victims can take some time to reflect, access information on specialist support services or call friends or family.
Safe Spaces are also available in Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, TSB banks and independent pharmacies across the UK.
Find your nearest Safe Space.
Refuge National Domestic Abuse
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
A team of highly-trained, female advisers who listen with no judgement and provide advice if required.
Provide support in many different languages, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, for as long as required.
Freephone helpline: 0808 2000 247
Bright Sky App
Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else. Support information is available in five languages: English, Welsh, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu.
The app can be downloaded for free from the app stores. 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.
Watch this video for a more detailed look at Bright Sky UK’s features.
Women’s Aid local support services directory
Women’s Aid have a directory of domestic abuse support services across the UK.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are worried about friends or family, you can access the Women’s Aid live chat service 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm.
Victim Support
Victim Support run these services for victims and survivors of any abuse or crime, regardless of when it occurred or if the crime was reported to the police:
Men's Advice Line UK
National phoneline offering non-judgmental support, practical advice and information, advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Freephone helpline: 0808 801 0327
Galop
Support LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.
Freephone helpline: 0800 999 5428 (Mon – Thu, 10am to 8:30pm, Fri 10am to 4.30pm)
Email: help@galop.org.uk
National Stalking Helpline
Can provide guidance and information.
Freephone helpline: 0808 802 0300 (Mon – Fri 9.30am – 4pm, and open until 8pm on Wed)
Or complete their form here: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/forms/national-stalking-helpline-enquiry-form
Respect
Confidential helpline, email and webchat service for domestic abuse perpetrators and their supporters.
Freephone helpline 0808 802 4040 or visit https://respectphoneline.org.uk/
Hourglass
Provide information and support to an older person or anyone concerned about an older person who is at risk of, experiencing or recovering from any form of abuse or neglect.
Freephone helpline: 080 8808 8141. Webchat, email, and text also available at https://wearehourglass.org/hourglass-services
Revenge Porn Helpline
https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Support services for adults (aged 18+) experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn.
Helpline 0345 6000 459 (weekdays 10-4), email: help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk or 24/7 chatbox.
Mankind Initiative
The main charity in the UK supporting male victims of domestic abuse and their supporters.
Confidential helpline: 01823 334244, weekdays 10-4pm
Victim Support
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk
Charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.
Freephone support line 08 08 16 89 111, text, webchat, and online form.
Surviving Economic Abuse
https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help
Support for women whose current or former partner has interfered with their money, or financial situation.
Freephone 0808 1968845 (Monday-Friday, 9am–1pm and 2pm–5pm)
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
