Domestic Abuse During COVID-19

Many people are rightly concerned about domestic abuse and help for people during the isolation.

Below is some information from both local councils covering Leyton & Wanstead – Waltham Forest and Redbridge, with details of how you can seek help as well as other organisations locally, including Womens Aid and the Silent Solution – contacting 999 without speaking

 

Familiarise yourself with The Silent Solution system. This 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 pressed by the caller, the system will detect this. The operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency. Click here to find out more.

National helplines, email, text and live chat support services, and local specialist services, are currently open for business as usual, although their delivery is likely to have to adapt over the coming weeks.

We want to reassure all survivors that we are doing everything we can to support you during this challenging time. The borough's local services are still working to provide support and advice over the phone or online.

We're encouraging all survivors to carry a mobile phone at all times if possible. If you are in immediate danger call 999.

If you want to talk to a trained domestic abuse specialist call the following free 24/7 domestic abuse helpline:

> 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Getting support to stop domestic abuse counts as an essential reason to travel so if you are is unable to access phone and online support, and you are not self-isolating, you can come to:

> Leyton Children and Family Centre, 215 Queens Road? E17 8PJ between 10am and 4pm every week day

To speak to a specialist worker who can offer support. You do not need to have a child to access this service. We are operating the service in accordance with government guidelines so will be implementing physical distancing.

If you are worried about your own behaviour and think you might be at risk of hurting your partner or family contact the Respect help line:

> It is confidential and free to call: 0808 802 4040

> or visit www.respect.uk.net

They will help and support you to stop.

If you are worried about a friend or neighbour suffering domestic abuse you too can speak to a trained professional on the 24/7 domestic abuse helpline:

> 0808 2000 247

> If you think it's an emergency please call the Police on 999.

More help and resources:

> Women's Aid: including Live Chat, email, the Survivors Forum and local services
> Men's Advice Line: service for male victims of domestic abuse: helpline: 0808 801 0327
> The Mix: free information and support for under 25s in the UK: helpline: 0808 808 4994
> Galop: LGBTQ+ domestic abuse support helpline: 0800 999 5428

> LGBTQ+ Switchboard Chat helpline: 0300 330 0630

> Download the surviving economic abuse PDF guide

> Rights of Women advice lines

> Rape Crisis services

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence can be:

> threatening behaviour

> violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) that takes place in intimate or family-type relationships

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

It happens across all ages, social class, race, gender, sexualities and disability. Women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence but men can be victims too.

In 90 per cent of domestic violence incidents, children or young people are in the same or next room. All children or young people witnessing domestic violence are being emotionally abused.

Are you at high risk or serious harm?

If any of the following are happening to you, you could be at risk of serious harm we strongly encourage you to seek support and protection from the Police or another domestic violence service:

> violence is getting worse or you have been seriously hurt

> you have been threatened

> you have recently separated, or told your partner you are going to leave

the perpetrator has access to weapons

> the perpetrator has raped or sexually assaulted you

> the perpetrator is harassing or stalking you after you have left

> the perpetrator is extremely jealous, possessive and controlling

> you are pregnant or have recently given birth

> you are socially or culturally isolated by the perpetrator

> there is extended family involvement and collusion with the abuse

> the perpetrator is misusing drugs or alcohol

> the perpetrator is abusive, aggressive or threatening towards your children

> the perpetrator has a history of ignoring or breaking injunctions or other court orders.

Local specialist domestic violence service & housing support

Refuge - Redbridge Violence against Women's and Girls Service

Specialist service for anyone living in Redbridge who has experienced, or is at risk of gender based violence.

For free, confidential advice call Refuge on: 0800 169 7759 or email redbridgevawg@refuge.org.uk.

Redbridge Housing Services

If you are homeless due to domestic violence/abuse the Housing Options Team may be able to help find you a place of safety. If you wish to remain in your current home they may be able to assist you with a sanctuary scheme, to enhance the security in your property, or offer other housing options.

Housing advice and options – open 9am to 4.45pm Monday to Friday: 020 8708 4002/4003

Young people as victims of domestic abuse or in violent relationships

Young people can find themselves in abusive or violent relationships. Specialist advice for young people is available:

Childline

A free, private and confidential service for young people under the age of 19, offering support from trained counsellors.

Childline information on healthy and unhealthy relationships

Redbridge Safeguarding Children Partnership

Relationships can be fun and exciting but they can also be confusing and harmful. It’s important to understand what a healthy relationship looks like and to know what isn’t okay.

RSCP advice on healthy and unhealthy relationships

Support for victims from minority groups and in other languages

Women from other countries

Karma Nirvana

Help and support for victims of honour-based violence and forced marriage 0800 5999 247 (24 hrs). View Karma Nirvana website

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice

Forced Marriage Unit - For women in fear of forced marriage 0207 008 0151 (or 0044 207 008 0151 from overseas)

View Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice website

Ashiana

Advice and support for Asian, Turkish/Kurdish and Iranian women. Call 0208 539 9656 or visit the Ashiana website.

Aanchal Women's Aid

Provides specialist advice and support in seven Asian languages, Lithuanian, Polish and Russian to women suffering domestic abuse, 24hr helpline 0845 451 2547. Visit Aanchal Women's Aid website.

Support for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans (LGBT) victims

Broken Rainbow

Specialised support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims of domestic violence.

Call 08452 60 44 60 (Monday from 2pm to 8pm, Wednesday from 10am to 1pm, Thursday from 2pm to 8pm) or visit the Broken Rainbow website.

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard

Information for lesbians, gays and bisexuals on legal services, support services and counselling 0207 837 7324.

Minicom: 0207 837 7324.

Tel: 0800 169 7759

If you are in a violent relationship, what can you do?

> recognise that what is happening to you is domestic violence, and that it is unacceptable

> accept that you are not to blame

> contact the Police or one of the specialist domestic violence services

Get help if you think you may be an abuser

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be an abuser, there is support available.

Respect: a helpline for domestic abuse perpetrators that directs them to programmes in the local area. The helpline also takes calls from (ex)partners, friends and relatives who are concerned about perpetrators.

Telephone: 0845 122 8606.

If you hear domestic violence

If you hear domestic violence taking place next door, you should report it to the Police immediately.

There are many signs of domestic violence including: verbal abuse, pressure tactics, disrespect, breaking trust, isolation, harassment, threats, sexual violence and physical violence. The abuser will often deny the abuse is happening.

Further advice and the survivors handbook

More information is available on the Central Government website, including on:

> Signs and behaviours to help you recognise you may be in an abusive relationship

> The domestic violence disclosure scheme

> Applying for settled status and benefits

> Universal credit adjustments

Women's Aid a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children, have produced a survivors handbook, which provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, with simple guidance on every aspect of seeking support.