Lockdown and domestic abuse

[SummerHouse]

Sorry not an AIBU but, traffic…

From Thursday we all go into lockdown. Many places already have restrictions. But there is a vital exemption - you are able to leave your home to escape injury or harm. If you need to leave your home to protect yourself, the restrictions will not apply to you.

These restrictions are tough on most people but terrifying if they keep you trapped with an abuser and cut off from your usual escapes and support. I have found mumsnet to be a source of help in times of need so thought I would put together some links in case it helps someone somewhere.

I am thinking of you and feeling like a chocolate fireguard at the moment. But please let someone know if you are worried. Please have a look at the links below in case they might help.

Call the Police on 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency. If speaking would put you in danger, use the silent solution - you can call 999 and press “5 5” – this lets the police know you need help.

Here are details about having a Safety Plan

Safe Spaces are available in pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug and Morrisons and other independent pharmacies. Just go to the healthcare counter and ask for the safe space. There will be a phoneline and support available in a secure environment for you.

The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Galop is the national LGBT+ anti-violence charity. The number for them is 0800 999 5428.

The Men’s Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse and can be reached on 0808 8010327.

If you are the abuser, you can get help to change. Call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040

[firstevernamechange]

Thank you for putting this together

[SummerHouse]

Thanks first

It all feels a bit useless and I am usually a positive person.

[Meruem]

Bumping as this is a good source of info for those who might need it. I had no idea about the “safe spaces” that’s really helpful.

[Gancanny]

Bumping to keep it near the top, this information should be pinned to the top of the main boards IMO.

[Mammylamb]

Bump.

Perhaps MNHQ could do something to ensure it stays at the top

[Gancanny]

@MNHQ

[SummerHouse]

Thank you so much for the bumps you lovely people. Safe spaces are not that well known and could be a life line. Really appreciate the help in getting this info to people.

[Cocothefirst]

Bumping. Thank you OP.

[Katinski]

Another bump from me. Please MNHQ can this be made a sticky at the top of all the Boards?
Thanks in advance and a Special Thanks to OP for collating this info.

[SummerHouse]

Ok I have something in my eye now... Thank you all so much. I was having a what's the point moment when I first posted and it all felt a little futile. But just knowing other people feel the same is enough to keep trying. Right! Off to Facebook I go... Thank you again ❤️

[Brighterthansunflowers]

www.womensaid.org.uk/rail-to-refuge-faqs/

There’s a scheme to cover the cost of train travel to a refuge, the link above has all the info. Hope someone out there finds it useful!

[peachescariad]

Another bump

[JustMeAndMyTins]

Bump. Great thread/post.

[Koalaismyspiritanimal]

Bump
A younger me would have needed this info.
Thanks for pulling this together.

[Knittedfairies]

💐 for you OP.

[YetAnotherBeckyMumsnet]

@SummerHouse Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

We've pinned it in the Relationships topic.

[ImaginaryFriends]

Another bump

[SummerHouse]

That's great news @YetAnotherBeckyMumsnet thank you so much for pinning it. And thank you so much to those who suggested it and to all for the bumps and comments.

for @koalaismyspiritanimal sorry for what you have been through.

[Mammylamb]

Thanks MNHQ

[wirldsgonemad]

Good idea to post this.

[OverTheRainbow88]

Bump

[iamtheoneandonlyyy]

Womens aid were invaluable to me during the last lockdown and I was supported by NWTA (no woman turned away) and got into a refuge.

There is help there
If you need it please try

[MockingJay27]

Bump

[MockingJay27]

Bump

[Mollymopple]

The documentary on domestic abuse during the last lockdown ( panorama I think?) was so awful & harrowing.
So glad to see this support being posted.