Domestic Abuse Support

Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their home and we understand that domestic abuse ruins lives and we take any allegations very seriously.

Domestic abuse is the emotional, physical, sexual, psychological or economic abuse of power and the exercise of control by an individual or individuals of a family member, partner or ex-partner regardless of gender, age or sexual orientation.

Domestic abuse can take different forms, including:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial abuse
  • Coercive and controlling behaviour, and gaslighting/emotional abuse
  • Digital/online abuse
  • ‘Honour’-based abuse
  • Forced marriage
  • Female genital mutilation (FGM).

Are you experiencing domestic abuse?

You are not alone there is a 24-hour help line 0808 2000 247.

Alternatively, you can use their live chat Monday Friday 3pm-10pm

You can download the free Bright Sky App to your mobile phone. Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else. Bright Sky App

In an emergency always call the emergency Services on 999. If you are unable to speak, press ‘55’ on the mobile phone keypad which will alert the operator to the fact you need emergency assistance.

If you call from a landline and don’t speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they will transfer you to the police.

If your situation is not an emergency, you can contact the police by calling 101 or by attending a local Police Station.

 

There are also local providers who can offer help and support-

  • Paul Levalle Foundation offers domestic abuse support for males and children who are victims of Domestic Abuse
  • Tomorrow’s Women offers a wide range of support for women including domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, social isolation and wellbeing and confidence.

Wirral Council also offer a wide range of services which can be found here- including information on how to access them. Click here for support 

 

Domestic Abuse Numbers and support
Refuge 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid womensaid.org.uk
Rights of Women    rightsofwomen.org.uk
Respect 0808 802 4040
The National Centre of Domestic Violence 0800 970 2070
Merseyside Domestic Abuse Service 07802 722 703      
DiAmond – Listening Ear 0151 236 2879           

 

Do you know the signs of abuse?

Have you ever felt afraid of your partner? Have you ever changed your behaviour because you're afraid of what your partner might do? If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are lots of people who can help you.

 

Emotional Abuse

 Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

  • Belittle you, or put you down?
  • Blame you for the abuse or arguments?
  • Deny that abuse is happening, or downplay it?
  • Isolate you from your family and friends?
  • Stop you going to college or work?
  • Make unreasonable demands for your attention?
  • Accuse you of flirting or having affairs?
  • Tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?
  • Control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things?
  • Monitor your social media profiles, share photos or videos of you without your consent or use GPS locators to know where you are?

 

Threats

Does your partner or someone you live with ever

  • Threaten to hurt or kill you?
  • Destroy things that belong to you?
  • Stand over you, invade your personal space?
  • Threaten to kill themselves or the children?
  • Read your emails, texts or letters?
  • Harass or follow you?

 

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone.Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

  • Touch you in a way you do not want to be touched?
  • Make unwanted sexual demands?
  • Hurt you during sex?
  • Pressure you to have unsafe sex – for example, not using a condom?
  • Pressure you to have sex?

 

 

Do you think a friend or someone you know is being abused?

If you're worried a friend is being abused, let them know you've noticed something is wrong. They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.

If someone confides in you that they're suffering domestic abuse:

 

  • Listen, and take care not to blame them
  • Acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiencing abuse
  • Give them time to talk, but do not push them to talk if they do not want to
  • Acknowledge they're in a frightening and difficult situation
  • Tell them nobody deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what the abuser has said
  • Support them as a friend, encourage them to express their feelings, and allow them to make their own decisions
  • Do not tell them to leave the relationship or leave home if they're not ready – that's their decision
  • Ask if they have suffered physical harm and if they have, offer to go with them to a hospital or GP
  • Help them report the assault to the police if they choose to
  • Be ready to provide information about organisations that offer help for people experiencing domestic abuse