Coronavirus (COVID-19) and domestic abuse
Please take note of the guidance – particularly of the advice for victims when ringing the police if they cannot talk openly.
Not being able to talk openly is something that has become more difficult in lockdown so systems such as Silent Solutions are even more important and staff need to know about them so that they can inform vulnerable service users.
The Silent Solution
The Silent Solution system is a system for victims of domestic abuse who might be afraid of further danger and escalation of harm if they are overheard when calling 999 in an emergency.
- When somebody calls 999, an operator will ask which emergency service is required.
- If the caller is unable to audibly signal to the operator, the call will be forwarded to an operating system.
- If 55 is then pressed by the caller, the system will detect this.
- The operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.
Domestic Abuse help and support during the Covid19 outbreak
We know that if you are currently experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse you might be worried about self-isolating with someone who is harming you.
If you know a family member or friend who is living with domestic abuse, self-isolation may mean they are spending more time with an abusive partner and will not be able to access their usual means of support.
It’s important to know that you and they are not alone and we can all look out for the most vulnerable people in our communities and remain vigilant.
If you are in immediate danger, or you suspect someone is in immediate danger please call 999 and ask for the police.
Local Domestic Abuse services in Manchester are still operating and delivering support.
You can contact them on:
Manchester Women’s Aid:
Call 0161 660 7999 or email referrals@manchesterwomensaid.org.
Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse helpline:
Phone: 0161 736 7525 or email helpline@independentchoices.org.uk.
Saheli Asian Women’s Project
Providing advice, information and support services to Asian women and their children fleeing domestic abuse and/or forced marriages.
Based in Manchester, call 0161 945 4187.
Other information and support
The government acknowledges that the order to stay at home can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses you are under.
More information can be found on the gov.uk website.
There is a national 24 hour Domestic Abuse helpline available on 0808 2000 247.
Surviving Economic Abuse
The Surviving Economic Abuse Charity has developed and is sharing information on what support is available to safeguard economic well-being.
They are working with partners to develop understanding over time and will use this to regularly update the information they are sharing.
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing abuse, please visit the resources page: www.surviving economic abuse/resources. This includes a section specific to the COVID-19 Outbreak.
Respect
The Respect Phoneline is a confidential national helpline, email and webchat service for perpetrators of domestic violence looking for help to stop.
They help male and female perpetrators, in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. Partners or ex-partners of perpetrators, as well as concerned friends and family and Frontline Workers are welcome to get in touch for information, advice and support.
Call 0808 802 4040 or visit respect.uk.net
Talk Listen Change (TLC)
TLC are the local provider of behaviour change provision for Manchester.
If you are worried about your behaviour and are seeking support, call 0161 872 1100 (option 3) or visit www.talklistenchange.org.uk/domestic-abuse-services TLC can also be found on Twitter at @TLC_Charity
Helplines
If you have concerns someone maybe suffering or at risk of domestic abuse please consider seeking help from the following national and local sources.
If your concern is about immediate risk call 999
Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0161 636 7525
Manchester Womens Aid – 0161 660 7999
LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline – 0300 999 5428
Community Helpline Language Service(Urdu and Punjabi) – 0161 636 7525
Manchester Social Care (for adults and children) – 0161 234 5001
Help for perpetrators: If you feel you may be about to hurt someone visit Respectphoneline.org.uk or call 0808 802 4040.
If you need to talk to someone…
If you want to access support over the phone, you can call:
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247.
Women’s Aid
A grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.
Connect to a support worker with their instant messaging service or send an email to one of our support workers.
Get help on housing, safety planning, dealing with police and more.
Speak to other women in the supportive community of survivors.
Listening to survivors
Campaigning and influencing
Training and qualifications
Research and publications
Men’s Advice Line
Men’s Advice Line is a team of friendly Advisors who will listen and believe the person, offer non-judgmental support, practical advice and information.
Their focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of any children).
Galop, the LGBT anti-violence charity
Advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline
T: 0800 999 5428
E: help@galop.org.uk
Refuge
Refuge is an independent, specialist charity that supports women fleeing domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence since 1971.
Their specialist services now support around 6,500 women and children on any given day.
Refuge provides specialist support to women, children and some men escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence.
Refuge’s specialist services include refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach projects, culturally specific services and the 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
SafeLives
SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.
They work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse.
They provide guidance and training to health and care professionals.
Greater Manchester End The Fear
Anybody who is experiencing domestic or sexual violence can find help, support and advice here.
They also provide support to people who know someone who may be being abused.
They want to encourage victims of domestic and sexual violence in Greater Manchester to find the courage to come forward and seek support and help.
Find out about your local services by ringing the help lines on this website.
Karma Nirvana
Karma Nirvana is an award-winning British human rights charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Honour crimes are not determined by age, faith, gender or sexuality, we support and work with all victims.
As well as running a national helpline to support victims in immediate danger, Karma Nirvana offers training to professionals and works with the Police, NHS, Social Services, local government and teachers.
They provide a range of education to understand and tackle honour-based abuse through accredited training programmes, seminars, conferences and workshops.