Advice for women
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, the best thing you can do is try to tell someone you trust, or contact us for advice and support.
Call our public number: 01284 753085.
If you’re in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
Identifying that you are being abused is not easy. Visit our Recognising Abuse page if you are unsure. Recognising abuse is an important step towards change.
Remember that you are not alone. Our experienced team can help and support you to make changes every step of the way.
We can help you to:
- Make a plan to leave
- Go somewhere safe
- Stay safe in your own home
- Access refuge accommodation
- Get legal advice and representation
- Go through the justice system
- Get money or debt advice
- Get benefits advice
- Protect your children
- Help your children to understand what has happened
- Resettle after refuge
- Access support groups
- Rebuild your self confidence
Domestic abuse is a crime. No-one has the right to be violent or abusive to another person. You deserve to be treated with respect and equality.
1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime in the UK, so you are not alone. Change is possible and help is available.
You can speak to us confidentially and non-judgementally. You do not have to decide anything straight away and can make all decisions as and when you feel ready.
How to make a safety plan to protect yourself and your children:
- If you feel at risk or in danger, call 999 immediately.
- Set aside some money in a safe place in case you need it in an emergency.
- Keep copies of important papers (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate).
- Identify someone you trust who you could tell about the abuse.
- Write down the names and numbers of safe places to call for help and support (this could be a friend, a family member, the Refuge, the police).
- Identify a safe place you could go if you had to leave the house quickly.
- Think about whether you could keep a bag of spare clothes somewhere safe (eg. at a friend’s house).
- Make calls from a phone box or a friend’s house.
- Know your rights – talk to a solicitor or the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
- Think about possible escape routes.
Contact us today
If you need help to make a safety plan, or you would like to speak to someone about your options, get in touch with us on 01284 753085 and we can talk it through with you.
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