Help when isolating and experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic abuse.
Usually, we would consider your home to be the safest place. For victims of domestic abuse, that is far from the truth. If you are in a situation of domestic abuse, please read on because there is help available for you.
Local and national organisations from whom you can seek help
Police
If in immediate danger, call the police on 999
Safe In Sussex
Website: www.safeinsussex.co.uk/get-help/
Out of hours: Call the National Domestic Abuse 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247
Also visit their Home Page for latest coronavirus updates: www.safeinsussex.co.uk
West Sussex County Council – Report Your Concern About a Child at Risk of Abuse
Two ways to report your concern about a child at risk of abuse:
Go to the West Sussex County Council “Raise a concern about a child” web page and fill in the report form.
Phone: 01403 229900 (Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm)
Please read the important West Sussex County Council reporting guidance, at the above web address, before you make your report.
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid have an online chat service, currently available Monday to Friday between 10am and 12pm.
Please note, this is not an emergency service and you should still call 999 if you are in danger.
Women’s Aid chatline: chat.womensaid.org.uk
Women’s Aid website: womensaid.org.uk
Women’s Aid coronavirus information page: womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-resource-hub
– When on their coronavirus page, scroll down to Resources and support.
For Children – Childline
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Phone: 0800 1111
Please visit their website for specific details of how Childline can help you, including ways of contacting them and times during which you can call them.
For Men – Men’s Advice Line
Men’s Advice Line offers a confidential advice for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner.
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Phone: 0808 801 0327 (weekdays 9am-5pm)
As you can see from the above information, organisations are active and if you have a need, they are here for you.
What to do when calling 999 and unable to speak
In 2019 The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a public awareness drive in a bid to warn people that a silent 999 call will not automatically bring help.
The police video below shows the new guidelines of how your 999 call will be handled and what you should do, if you are unable to speak.
Make yourself heard by coughing, tapping the handset or – once prompted by the automated system – by pressing 55.