Christmas opening hours

We're closed from 5pm Tuesday 24 December and will reopen at 8:30am on Thursday 2 January for the festive season. 

For emergency repairs call: 03332 31 32 33

Contact us here

Domestic Abuse Support

If you're a victim of domestic abuse and violence, or know someone who is, there is help available to escape. In an emergency always dial 999.
Domestic Abuse Support

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a romantic relationship or between close family members. It can be:

  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Digital abuse (using social media or mobile phones)

Domestic abuse is:

  • A repeated pattern of behaviour with a clear intention of trying to hurt or upset the person they are in a relationship with
  • Always about one person trying to control the other person

Relationships shouldn't be scary.

Support for someone else

Visit Rachel's site here - sutda.org

Other person roundel

I’m worried for someone else

There are some basic steps that you can take to assist and give support...

General advice

Unless you are trying to help someone who has been very open about their experiences it might be difficult to acknowledge the problem directly.

General advice would be:

  • Listen to them, try to understand and let them know that it's not them who are at fault
  • Don’t tell them to leave the relationship, this is their decision
  • Look after yourself while you are supporting someone through such a difficult and emotional time. Ensure that you do not put yourself into a dangerous situation

I'm worried for someone else, like a neighbour

  • This can be a difficult, you don’t necessarily know exactly what’s happening
  • If you hear/see an incident and believe someone is in danger, contact the police
  • The police have a responsibility to respond and to undertake a risk assessment where there is domestic abuse taking place

One of my parents is abusing the other

Abuse can be, physical or mental. 

  • Neither you or your victimised parent is responsible for what is happening
  • You can seek support and advice from your local domestic abuse service (details below)

Support for you

Support

Advice on community support and what to do in an emergency

It's not your fault and help is available...

If you’re in immediate danger call 999

  • Dial 999
  • Can't talk? Cough or make a noise to let the operator know you are there, and that the call is genuine. They can alert the police on your behalf.
  • If transferred to the police and you still can’t talk, press 55 and they will continue to listen.

Talk to someone you trust

Tell someone what’s happening. They can help you get the support you need. These people could be:

  • A friend
  • Family member
  • Teacher or neighbour
Exit

Tactics to support you

Unsafe situations and making a safety plan...

Avoid unsafe situations

If someone at home is hurting or scaring you:

  • Make sure you’re not alone with that person
  • Avoid them when they’re angry, upset, or have been drinking
  • Stay in your room or somewhere in the house that feels safe
  • If something is happening, don’t intervene—your priority is keeping yourself safe

Make a safety plan

A safety plan can help you know what to do if you feel unsafe at home in an emergency. It’s important to talk to someone you trust or a support service when you’re making a safety plan.

It could include:

  • Who to call (a trusted adult, the police)
  • Where to go if you need to leave home, and how to get there safely
  • What to take (charger, medication)
  • If you need to leave home to stay safe, it’s important to talk to the police - call 999 once you’ve left
Digital

Digital abuse is still abuse

If someone is using your phone or social media to harass, stalk or control you, this is abuse...

Report it

Report abuse to the police by calling 101. 

Online abuse can be:

  • Reported to CEOP. This isn’t confidential, but they can help to stop the abuse.
  • Social media sites have ways of reporting online abuse or bullying.
  • If you feel ok to, block the person so they can’t contact you.

Passwords, security and location tracking

  • Change passwords and usernames on accounts to keep them secure, and change them regularly
  • Keep passwords private - you have a right to online privacy, and shouldn't feel pressured to share passwords with anyone
  • Make sure only people you know can see your posts on social media and only accept friend requests from people you know
  • Check which apps on your phone use GPS or location sharing (Find My Phone, fitness apps, Snapchat etc). Turn GPS off when not in use so you can’t be tracked

Sexting

No one should pressure you to send or receive nude pictures, videos or sexual messages. It is against the law to send nude photos of yourself if you’re under 18 and for anyone to save or share them, even if they are under 18 too.

If someone won’t stop messaging you or asking you for nudes you can:

  • Ask them to stop, and explain how it makes you feel; a respectful partner should understand
  • Block the person
  • Report them to CEOP

Download ZIPIT from Childline to help you deal with any pressure you experience about sexting.

Get help

SDAS LOGO

Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service

For men and women living in Shropshire
More info
WOMENS AID LOGO

West Mercia Womens Aid

For women living in Herefordshire
More info
MENS ADVICE LINE

Go to the Mens Advice Line

For men in Herefordshire or Shropshire
More info
Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service - Shropshire 0300 303 1191
West Mercia Women’s Aid - Herefordshire - Women only 0800 783 1359
Mens Advice Line - UK - Men only 0808 8010327

 

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