If you work with any individual who is involved in an abusive relationship, it is important that you know what support is available and where you can signpost them for help.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic violence and abuse is a pattern of behaviour designed to achieve power and control over a partner, ex-partner or family member, regardless of gender or sexuality.
This is achieved through the use of physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse or through movement restriction and/or social isolation e.g. stopping you from seeing your family and or friends.
Getting help
In an emergency situation always call 999 for help.
If you are safe, but need to report a crime such as criminal damage, physical violence or sexual violence, call the Police on 101.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need support, please get in touch with the Stop Domestic Abuse service, our domestic abuse team, for advice and support on 023 9206 5494 or by email. Our experienced specialist team is on hand to discuss your concerns and needs, 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 6pm weekends and bank holidays. Contact can be by phone or face-to-face in a safe location.
Referral Process
If a client discloses that they have experienced an incident or patterns of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviours, violence or abuse, please follow the referral pathway outlined below:
The MARAC Meeting Resources from Save Lives may be useful to discuss how to help victims at high risk or murder or serious harm.
Support during COVID-19
The local refuges are still open, although all support is now being delivered remotely via video call or phone – with one member of staff attending each refuge daily to complete health and safety checks to avoid staff having contact with each other.
Victims should continue to phone 999 if they, or anyone else, are in danger.
Please use the usual referral process (outlined above).
