…especially when there are going to be additional pressures on families due to illness, self-isolation, social distances, financial pressures and spending more time together without being able to leave the home for work or leisure activities.
It is likely to be more difficult for a victim to call and speak to someone for safety planning information or access a computer without alerting the perpetrator. Safer North Hampshire, available via this link, have provided some information for those trying to support someone. Alongside the specialist domestic abuse services, there are also details of the local Citizens Advice branches and housing teams as financial and housing concerns are likely to lead to increased pressure in households.
Click this link for the Hampshire Police Safety Planning leaflet.
Click this link for the NE Hants Domestic Abuse Service directory.
Click this link for the Basingstoke domestic abuse Service directory.
Safety Planning
Alongside normal safety planning information, the following may be helpful if domestic abuse specialist services aren’t already involved and have agreed safety plans in place (for example if you are concerned about a work colleague / neighbour / client):
- Consider setting up a system whereby the victim sends you a pre-determined code word by a certain time of day to let you know if they are OK (or not)
- Agree with the victim what should happen if you don’t receive this message – eg should you alert the police / contact their designated safe person etc
- Try to call the person regularly (if safe to do so), in order to reduce isolation
- Reinforce the message to call 999 in an emergency
Useful Local Contact Details: the below services have, or are developing plans to enable people to access support during the Coronavirus pandemic with additional details on their websites
Stop Domestic Abuse (Hampshire) can be found through this link.
0330 0165112
advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk
You can view our Position Statement via this link.
Click this link for Citizens Advice Rushmore, the Nepali domestic and sexual abuse service.
abuse hotline: 07741 261387
housing hotline: 0300 3309046 (webchat and email options available)
ask@citizensadvicerushmoor.org.uk
Hampton Trust can be found through this link (perpetrator interventions and breaking the cycle).
02380 009898
dapp.spoc@hamptontrust.cjsm.net
Basingstoke Housing Options are available via this link.
01256 844844
Hart Council Housing Options are available via this link.
01252 774420
Rushmoor Council Housing Options are available via this link.
01252 398634
Click this link for Citizens Advice Hart
03444 111 306
Click this link for Citizens Advice Basingstoke and Tadley
0300 3309064 (Basingstoke)
03444 111 306 (Tadley)
National Domestic Abuse Helplines and websites
The Refuge 24 hour Domestic Abuse helpline can be found through this link (female victims).
0808 2000247
Click this link for Respect, the Mens Advice line.
0808 8010327
The Mankind Initiative is available through this link.
01823 334244
Galop, the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse helpline, can be found via this link.
0800 9995428
Click this link for Respect, the National helpline (perpetrator help and breaking the cycle, supporting male abuse victims and supporting young people through abusive relationships)
0808 8024040
