Public information on domestic abuse
The NHS website has advice for the public on spotting the signs of domestic abuse and domestic violence and where to go for help. The NHS also has a help page for those who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
The Home Office is promoting the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number 0808 2000 247 and associated online support available at nationaldahelpline.org.uk
As part of the campaign, the Home Office has produced detailed advice for those experiencing domestic abuse and domestic violence.
In addition, Respect is an anonymous and confidential helpline for men and women who are harming their partners and families. The helpline also takes calls from partners or ex-partners, friends and relatives who are concerned about perpetrators.
How the public can access help
If you are worried that a friend, neighbour or loved one is a victim of domestic abuse then you can call the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and further information is on the helpline's dedicated website.
If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, you should always call 999.
The Government has a detailed webpage Domestic abuse: get help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak where you can find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.
In particular, the government pages have translated guidance, welfare benefits and housing advice as well as advice on how to get legal help.
The pages also give details on the domestic abuse code-word scheme. If someone is experiencing domestic abuse and needs immediate help, they can ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately but also phonetically sounds like the name Annie. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer the person a private space, provide a phone and ask if they need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
Local Support:
We are encouraging victims of domestic abuse to contact Herts Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (IDVA) on 0300 790 6772 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) who will conduct an initial risk assessment to signpost to the correct services. Or, if you require emergency refuge accommodation, you can call Safer Places specialist domestic abuse service on 0330 102 5811 (24/7 availability). These services can support anyone 16 years or over.
Alternatively, you can contact Hertfordshire’s victim service team at Beacon, even if you don’t want to report the incident at a crime. You can call a case manager in confidence on 0300 0115 555 and press option 3 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm and Wednesday 8am to 8pm) or email: info@hertfordshirebeacon.org.
For information and advice for yourself or someone you’re worried about, you can go to: www.hertssunflower.org/herts-sunflower.aspx The website is a helpful local resource for anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse or those carrying out abuse who want support to change their behaviour. You can also speak to someone from the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline, free and in confidence, for help, advice and support on 08 088 088 088 (open weekdays 9am to 9pm and weekends 9am to 4pm).
If you are in immediate danger but are afraid to speak, call 999 then press 5 and 5 to alert the police. There is no need to speak. Or if the matter is less urgent use their webchat service found at www.herts.police.uk.