Getting help to leave

[Bluebellsnowdrop]

Has anyone used their local authority domestic abuse team for help or advice? I keep thinking about contacting them but you need to fill in a form with the perpetrators name, and kids details etc, and I'm just so nervous about making it official. I don't know what they do with that information, and will they want to speak to the kids about it. I'm scared about him finding out.

Contact women's aid? I'm sure they can advise you first

Definitely contact women’s aid. They can support you to make an exit plan. They can help you find safe housing, claim benefits you might be entitled to, help you report the abuse, recommend a good lawye and signpost you to other avenues of support. Well done for making the decision to leave. It’s a scary time but it’s more scary to stay in an abusive relationship, especially when there are children involved. They and you deserve to live in a peaceful home. Women’s aid should be your first step.

Do you just speak to women's aid via online chat?

You can email them too, I did as I had no privacy for calls. They signposted me to several DA groups and not just the local council funded one, however I found their advice and care enough and didn't contact the local ones. Good luck

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/

Hi,

I completely understand why you’re feeling nervous about this—it’s a big step, and it’s natural to worry about what happens next. You’re not alone in this, and there are professionals who can guide you through the process safely.
I work with a legal advisor who has experience in domestic abuse cases. They can explain what to expect when contacting the local authority and help you understand your options before you make any decisions. If you’d like, I can connect you with them for a confidential chat.

You deserve support, and there are safe ways to move forward. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care.