Support Services Available For Those Experiencing Or At Risk of Domestic Abuse

We understand that the stay at home measures may put pressure on the home environment and can cause additional anxiety for those who are experiencing or are at risk of domestic abuse. You may not be able to see the friends and family who usually support you, and some of the places where you go for help or treatment may be closed or offering a reduced service. But it’s important to remember that, while you may be isolating, you are not isolated – we are still here for you.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens has teamed up with Michelle Blunsom from ESDAS (East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service) to talk about some of the support and services that are available to you. Click here to watch the five minute video. Subtitles are available so that you can watch silently.

Please remember that you can still call 999 or report online at www.surrey.police.uk if you or someone else is in danger. While some support services are not able to offer face to face meetings at this time, there is still help and advice available online and over the phone. If you are being abused, are concerned about family, friends or neighbours, or are worried you may commit domestic abuse, please seek help, either from the police or from support organisations.

Surrey Against Domestic Abuse – 01483 776822 www.healthysurrey.org.uk/domestic-abuse
Provides information on how to get help and keep yourself and your children safe.

Your Sanctuary – 01483 776822 www.yoursanctuary.org.uk
Helpline service available 9am to 9pm 7 days a week, offering support, information and signposting. An online chat service is available via their website. Your Sanctuary also runs two safe houses for women and children fleeing from domestic abuse, and a specialist male support service available to men across Surrey.

Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327 www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse

Safe Lives www.safelives.org.uk
Providing domestic abuse support and guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 www.refuge.org.uk
Guidance and support for potential victims, as well as those who are worried about friends and loved ones

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people.

RespectUK – 0808 802 4040 www.respect.uk.net
Advice and support for those who are finding it difficult to manage their behaviour during this difficult time and want to make a change.

Silent Solution – If you’re in an emergency situation and need police help but can’t speak, Make Yourself Heard and let the 999 operator know your call is genuine by pressing ‘55’. When transferred to your local police force, the police call handler will attempt to communicate with you by asking simple yes or no questions. If you are not able to speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from the call handler so they can assess your call and arrange help if needed.

Message Sent By
Kerry Bowles (Surrey Police, Lead Comms Officer, Corp Comms)