Domestic abuse support

It’s an anxious time for everyone, and the extra pressures of worrying about money and jobs, dealing with school closures and working from home are all likely to contribute to an increase in the number of incidents. Living in lockdown can feel like a pressure cooker situation and unfortunately for some, the stress can boil over into abuse or violence.

If you’re living with domestic abuse, either as a victim or perpetrator, the current lockdown situation has no doubt left you feeling frightened and isolated and with nowhere to go for help. Staying at home means it’s not possible to see friends and family who could support you, or to visit places where help or treatment would be normally be available.

But domestic abuse support services are still there to support you. Even if it’s not possible to have face-to-face meetings at this time, there is still help and advice available online and over the phone, whenever you need it.
There are local and national organisations working hard to support you:

If you’re a victim

• PIPPA (Southampton) – 023 8091 7917 – pippa@southampton.gov.uk
• Yellow Door - 023 8063 6312 - info@yellowdoor.org.uk 
  
• National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247 
• Respect Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327 – info@mensadviceline.org.uk 
• The Hampton Trust – 023 8000 1061 
• National LBGT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428

If you’re a child or young person

If domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship call Childline on 0800 1111.

If you are worried about hurting the person you live with:

• The Hampton Trust Hampshire: 02380 009898
• National Respect helplines: 0808 8024040 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm).

Members of Housing Service staff have been trained as Domestic Abuse Champions to provide specialist support. We can even arrange rehousing in situations where it is too dangerous for the victim to remain at home.

If you’re worried about domestic abuse contact your Local Housing Office in complete confidence.

If you’re in danger, or if you feel one of your neighbours is, always call 999

The Silent Solution system is in place if you’re unable to speak. Dial 999, and after an automated message, you will be prompted to press 55 which will transfer you to the police. A call handler will then assess your call and arrange help if needed.