Help for people experiencing domestic abuse

Cover your tracks

The Government’s Disrespect Nobody (opens in new window) website provides detailed information about how to cover your tracks online.

In an emergency

If you and/or your children are in danger, call the emergency services immediately on 999. If you are unable to speak to the operator through fear of being heard, press 55 and the operator will remain on the line.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to remember that it is not your fault, and that you do not have to live through it in silence and on your own. You are entitled to live your life free from fear. Here are details of the many people and organisations whom you can turn to for help and advice.

Support for domestic abuse in Sutton

Transform 020 8092 7569 (opens in new window)

Email: transformsutton@cranstoun.org.uk

The Transform partnership provides the following domestic abuse services in Sutton. All can be accessed through the above phone number and email address:

Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop: Every Wednesday morning, 9.30–11.30am, Sutton Baptist Church, 21 Cheam Road, Sutton. SM1 1SN. Our Independent Domestic Abuse Advisers (IDVAs) are available to offer face-to-face support and guidance to help you at drop-in sessions.
Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA) service: Independent advisors who support people experiencing domestic abuse to safety plan, risk assess and get the help that they need.
Refuge space: Safe space to house women and their children who had fled domestic abuse. Advice can also be given to women wanting to leave the borough.
Freedom Programme: A twelve-week group work programme that aims to educate women on how to spot the signs of an abuser so they can break the cycle of abuse.
Men & Masculinities Programme: A non-judgemental programme for male perpetrators of domestic abuse who are willing to recognise and change their abusive behaviours.
Young people’s prevention and recovery programmes: A portfolio of group programmes for young people who have witnessed domestic abuse, are at risk of or have been involved in abusive relationships.
Helping Hands (Peer befriending): Helping Hands volunteers provide befriending and practical support to women affected by domestic abuse and their families.
Support for families with children under 5: Home-based volunteer mentoring, practical and emotional support.

Not Alone in Sutton (opens in new window - Sutton’s website outlining helplines and support for domestic abuse.

Safe Spaces

Pharmacies including Boots and Superdrug are offering their consulting rooms as Safe Spaces for victims of domestic violence.

Walk into any of the pharmacies taking part in the UK Says No More or Ask for ANI Campaign and ask to use their Safe Space.

The room will contain all the information you need, and provide a sanctuary to make relevant calls.

Find a safe space in a pharmacy near you (opens in new window).

National helplines

National Domestic Violence Helpline (opens in new window) 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

The 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic abuse, their families, friends, colleagues or others calling on their behalf.

Men’s Advice Line (opens in new window) 0808 801 0327 (9am–5pm Mon to Fri)

Offers advice and support for men in abusive relationships, both those experiencing violence and abuse from partners, and those concerned about their own violence.

Galop/National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline (opens in new window) 0800 999 5428

Galop is an LGBT and anti-violence charity who offer support to victims of hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse.

Samaritans (opens in new window) 116 123

24/7 service

Respect (opens in new window) 0808 802 4040

Respect Phoneline is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them. We support men and women who are using abuse in same-sex or heterosexual relationships.

ChildLine (opens in new window) 0800 11 11

Information and advice for children and young people affected by domestic abuse

Disability

Stay Safe East (opens in new window) 0208 519 7241 SMS/Text: 0758 7134 122

enquiries@staysafe-east.org.uk

Supports deaf and disabled people experiencing domestic abuse and hate crime (London only).

Learning disability

Respond (opens in new window) 020 7383 0700

admin@respond.org.uk

Support for people with learning disabilities and/or autism who have experienced trauma and abuse

Honour Based Violence or Forced Marriage

Karma Nirvana (opens in new window) 0800 5999 247 Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm.

If you or someone you know is experiencing honour-based abuse or is at risk of a forced marriage please call the helpline above. If you are unable to call or email us, you can send us a message securely via the website.

Rights of Women (opens in new window)

Advice lines, legal guides and handbooks provide vital legal information to help women through the law.

Asian, African and African Caribbean Women

Southall Black Sisters (opens in new window) 020 8571 9595

Primarily for Asian, African and African Caribbean women. Provides advice and information on domestic abuse, racial harassment, welfare and immigration.

Young people

The Mix (opens in new window) 0808 808 4994

Free information and support for under 25s in the UK.

Are you experiencing domestic abuse?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to remember that it is not your fault, and that you do not have to live through it in silence and on your own. You are entitled to live your life free from fear. See above for details of the many people and organisations who you can turn to for help and advice.

Help for people experiencing domestic abuse

Search the Sutton Housing Partnership website