It’s a challenging time for everyone right now. However, for those that may be experiencing control and abuse behind closed doors, the current restrictions may leave them with feelings of further fear and isolation.
Domestic abuse isn’t just physical. It can be psychological, sexual, emotional or even financial and can affect anyone.
If you are concerned about someone you know or live near:
- Ask them if they want to talk, listen to them and assure them that it’s not their fault
- Let them know you are concerned and encourage them to get help from the support services available
- You can offer to contact a support service or someone they trust on their behalf
- If you think someone is in danger, report it immediately to the police
If you are suffering abuse at home, remember:
- You are allowed to leave the house during lockdown and could get help whilst out
- If you need to leave, plan ahead- have a bag ready with the things you need such as a phone, clothes, money or medication
- You are not alone- you will be listened to and helped
- It’s never your fault
Help and advice is available from national support services and organisations throughout Merseyside.
Silent solution
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, need the police, and can’t speak, there’s help available. The 999 Silent Solution enables people who are not free to speak to an operator to send an alert for help and connect you to the police. Visit the Knowsley News website to find out more.
National support services
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
(Mon & Wed, 9am to 8pm, Tue, Thu & Fri, 9am to 5pm)
National LGBT + Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428
(Mon, Tue & Fri, 10am to 5pm. Wed & Thu, 10am & 8pm)
Childline
0800 1111 (9am to Midnight)
Women’s Aid Live Chat Link
(Mon to Fri, 10am to 2pm)
Paladin
National Stalking Advisory Service
020 3866 4107
info@paladinservice.co.uk
The LGBT Foundation
0345 330 3030
info@lgbt.foundation
Local support services
Liverpool
Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service
0800 084 2744/ 0151 263 7474
(Mon to Thu, 9am to 5pm, Fri 9am to 3pm
South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service
0800 083 7114/ 0151 494 2222 (9am to 4.30pm)
Savera UK
Tackling ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices across the UK
0800 107 0726/ 0151 709 6586 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)
Wirral
Family Safety Unit
0151 666 4914 (9am to 5pm)
Wirral Women’s and Children’s Aid (Wirral Refuge)
0151 643 9766 (24 hours)
Sefton
Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid (SWACA)
0151 922 8606
(Mon to Thu, 9.30am to 5pm. Fri 9.30am to 3pm)
Sefton Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service
0151 934 5142
(Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)
IDVA.team@sefton.gov.uk
Knowsley
The First Step Project & IDVA Service
0151 548 3333 (Mon to Fri , 9am to 5pm)
enquiries@thefirststep.org.uk
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
0151 443 2600 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)
St Helens
Safe2Speak-
Support and advice
01744 743200 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)
Safe2Speak 24hr helpline-
emergency assistance with accommodation
01925 220541 (24 hours)