Domestic Violence

These sites have specific guidelines as part of Covid response, including signs of emotional, physical or sexual abuse or threats and intimidation.

• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/
• https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/
• https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/what-is-domestic-abuse/

A caller may use the term “Ask Angela” or Mask 19″ to signal that they are a victim of domestic abuse. If someone confides in you that they’re suffering domestic abuse:

• listen, and take care not to blame them
• acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiencing abuse
• give them time to talk, but do not push them to talk if they do not want to
• acknowledge they’re in a frightening and difficult situation
• tell them nobody deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what the abuser has said

If there is immediate danger, call 999. If you receive a disclosure of domestic abuse, please alert your supervisor and contact the safeguarding team.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is run by Refuge and offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones. Telephone and TypeTalk: 0808 2000 247.