Support for anyone affected by domestic violence

Support is still available to anyone affected by domestic abuse across Cannock Chase District during the Coronavirus lockdown. Local support services are offering alternative ways to provide help for those trapped in an abusive situation at home.

All those services which previously offered face-to-face or group support, including the New Era victim and perpetrator service commissioned by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office, can now be accessed online, by Skype or webchat where available, or by telephone.

Support for anyone affected by domestic abuse is available from the following services:

SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS

Staffordshire-wide support for victims and their families:

• New Era’s Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 24-hour confidential helpline (across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent) 0300 303 3778 and their 24/7 live chat facility at www.new-era.uk

Localised support for victims and their families:

• Staffordshire Women’s Aid 24 hour confidential helpline (supporting Stafford, Cannock and South Staffordshire) 0300 330 5959
• Glow (supporting North Staffordshire) 0330 0945 559
• Pathway (supporting Lichfield and Tamworth) 01543 676800

National support for victims and their families:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 200 0247
• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
• National LBGT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
• The Survivors Trust (Rape and Sexual Violence Services): 08088 010818

SERVICES FOR PERPETRATORS

Staffordshire-wide services for perpetrators wanting to change their behaviour:

• New Era Domestic Abuse Service for perpetrators who want support to change (across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent)  01785 601690

Localised services for perpetrators wanting to change their behaviour:

• Glow perpetrator support (supporting North Staffordshire) 0330 0945 559

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Staffordshire-wide mental health support:

• North Staffs Mind: 01782 262100
• Samaritans: 116 123
• The Dove Service (telephone counselling for anyone struggling with bereavement, loss, life-changing or life-limiting illness): 01782 683155
• Changes (children, young people and adults): 07983 437747
• Papyrus (service for young people at risk of suicide): 0800 068 4141
• Get Men Talking (Newcastle under Lyme): 07834 728425 / 07889 535942
• North Staffordshire Combined Mental Health Trust: 0300 123 0907

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis said: “The Coronavirus outbreak has brought significant changes to people’s daily lives, and we know that worries over finances, school closures or jobs can result in increased tensions at home.

“For those already living with domestic abuse, the current restrictions may have left you fearful of being isolated in the house with your abuser, and feeling there is nowhere to turn for help.

“I’d like to reassure our communities that there is still help and advice available online and over the phone, with local and national organisations working hard to ensure they can support you when you need it most.”

Councillor Carl Bennett, Leader of Crime and Partnerships said, “Everyone has a part to play in keeping vulnerable adults and children safe from abuse and neglect.

“The Council is committed to ensuring people are aware of the signs associated with abuse and making sure people report any concerns they may have about an individual.

“Last year, the Council launched its ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of abuse and encourage people to report any concerns they may have about an individual. This is especially important during this unprecedented time, so I would urge anyone who suspects abuse to report it.”

If you suspect adult abuse, call 0345 604 2719. If you suspect child abuse, call 0800 131 3126. This is not monitored 24/7 but a voicemail facility is available.

Remember, in an emergency, call 999.

If you need to call 999 from a mobile phone, but are unable to speak because doing so could put you in even greater danger, use the Silent Solution. If you don’t reply when the operator asks which emergency service you need, the call will be forwarded to an operating system.

When prompted to do so, press 55. The system will detect this and treat it as an emergency. Your call will be transferred to Staffordshire Police who will ask you simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. If you’re unable to speak, listen carefully so they can get you the help you need, wherever you are.

For further information about the `See something, Say something` campaign, contact the Partnerships team on 01543 464638 or email partnership@cannockchasedc.gov.uk