This Christmas will be a difficult and worrying time for many of us – but particularly so for adults and children living with domestic abuse and the professionals working hard to support them.
There is often a spike in domestic abuse during the Christmas period and the coronavirus restrictions will only make things worse.
For those people experiencing domestic abuse, Halton Domestic Abuse Service wants you to know that you are not alone. Our local services are remaining open and are available to offer help, advice and support even if you are unable to leave your home due to COVID-19.
If you, or a child or any one in your family are in immediate danger you should call 999.
Halton Domestic Abuse Service is working together with Halton Borough Council and Cheshire Police to ensure that essential services are maintained, and that contacts are available for anyone who is affected by, or concerned about, domestic abuse and needs to talk to someone during the weeks to come.
The message is, what happens behind closed doors doesn’t need to stay there – please reach out for help.
The Council’s Executive Board Member for Community Safety, Cllr Dave Cargill, said: “Any form of domestic violence is never acceptable and we know that if you are in this situation it can intensify during holiday periods and, and especially at the moment due to lockdown restrictions. If you are suffering, or you know someone who is, please reach out to our services – people are there for you and you will get help.”
If you need to speak to someone for help relating to domestic abuse, please ring 0300 11 11 247 to speak to the Halton Domestic Abuse Service.
- Online support is available from Women’s Aid’s online chat service, open from 10am-12pm Monday-Friday
- To access free support tips and advice please go to https://www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk/
- Safelives have released some practical guidance – guide for staying safe during COVID-19for victims and survivors
- Surviving Economic Abuse have produced guidance on economic abuse while self-isolating, as well as practical issues including benefits and sick pay. The guidance is updated regularly as the situation changes.Further support can also be found at these national agencies:
- Women’s Aidwomensaid.org.uk | https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
- Worst Kept Secret Helpline: 0800 028 3398
- Refuge (includes information for men) | refuge.org.uk | 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
- The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
- Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123.
