During this difficult time, when families are confined to their homes for most of the day, pressure can rise. The rate of domestic abuse nationally is increasing – and this will be happening in Wells too.
Below are details of websites and helplines for men and women experiencing abuse from a partner or young person, & for people worried about their own behaviour.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please always call the Police on 999.
Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS)
If someone is psychologically or physically abusing you, SIDAS can help. They can help you access: safe houses, outreach support and a Young Person’s Violence Advisor. www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk/
Ring their Somerset Domestic Abuse Support helpline on 0800 69 49 999 8am-8pm Mon-Fri & 9am-1pm Sat & Sun
Or email youfirstsidas@theyoutrust.org.uk
National Domestic Abuse Hotline
Ring the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Hotline on 0808 2000 247. (Lines are less busy at evenings, nights and weekends.) www.refuge.org.uk/
Men’s Advice Line
For male victims 0808 801 0327 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Calls are free from landlines & mobile phones; your call won’t appear on your phone bill. Or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk Or Webchat on website: mensadviceline.org.uk
Respect Phoneline
If you are worried about your own behaviour to a partner, call 0808 802 4040. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. (Calls are free from landlines & mobile phones; your call won’t appear on your phone bill.) Or email info@respectphoneline.org.uk Or Webchat on website: respectphoneline.org.uk
Family Lives
When young people are verbally or physically abusive to their parents or siblings, this can be very distressing. Useful advice on why this happens and how to cope with it can be found on the Familylives website here
FamilyLives (previously ‘Parentline’) offers a confidential and free helpline for families who want emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life. Ring 0808 800 2222. Open 9am – 9pm Mon to Fri & 10am-3pm Sat & Sun
Domestic Violence Assist
Domestic Violence Assist helps obtain emergency injunctions – 0800 195 8699 or visit their website