Making a stand against domestic violence
The government measures announced to tackle COVID-19 include an order to stay at home. For some, who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, this can cause significant anxiety.
Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation.
For anyone who feels as though they are at risk of abuse, it is important to remember that there is help and support available to you. Guidance is also available to help perpetrators change their behaviour.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is often perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner, but can also be by a family member or carer.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Harassment and stalking
- Online or digital abuse
Where to get help
If you believe you are being abused, or worried that you may commit domestic abuse, there are a number of services available to you.
Call 999
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. The police are continuing to respond to emergency calls throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are in danger and unable to talk freely on the phone, call 999 and then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak.
You can read more about this – Silent Solution – here
Equally, if you suspect that your neighbours or those in your community are victims of domestic abuse, then we encourage you to report it to the police.
Other support
Free 24-hour support is available via the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 (This is an inclusive service available to all).
The Helpline provides victims and survivors with emotional support and advice on their options. It is also the gateway to the national network of refuges available in England, and can help you to find your local domestic abuse services.
They can also offer advice to professionals who are supporting victims or survivors.
For an alternative to a phone call, or if you are worried about having a safe time for a phonecall, you can visit the National Domestic Abuse Helpline website and fill in an online form. There you will find the option of requesting a safe time to be called back.
The Wrekin Housing Group can also be contacted on 01952 217100 for advice and guidance on other support services available to you.
The following websites, including those of some local groups, contain useful information:
Telford is also supporting White Ribbon UK against domestic abuse.
The government have signposted a number of other services available to you.
Make A Stand
The Wrekin Housing Group are continuing to support Make A Stand, a campaign to help tackle domestic abuse.
Make A Stand centres on a pledge that has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing, in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).
Read our full Domestic Abuse Policy
9th April 2020