Every person has a right to live their life free from violence, abuse, intimidation and fear.
Catholic parishes can play an important role in supporting people and fighting the scourge of domestic abuse
Since the UK-wide Covid-19 lockdown began on 23 March, there has been a 49% increase in calls and online requests for help relating to domestic abuse.
Every person has a right to live their life free from violence, abuse, intimidation and fear. Catholic parishes can play an important role in the fighting the scourge of domestic abuse, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. You will find here information and resources for how you can play a part.
PHONE THE POLICE
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator
and if possible, respond by coughing or tapping the head set.
If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard and this will transfer your call to the police.
(NB Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.)
For calls made from landlines, your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.
SEEK HELP
Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge
0808 200 0247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Rape Crisis
0808 802 9999
www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Respect
0808 802 4040
www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)
0800 999 5428
www.galop.org.uk
Berkshire Women’s Aid : 0118 950 4003
Domestic Violence Assist : 0800 195 8699
National Stalking Helpline : 0808 802 0300
Refuge Thames Valley : 0800 221 8186