Coronavirus: Help available for victims of domestic abuse across the county

Shropshire Council, along with other key partners across the county, are reassuring victims of domestic abuse that help and support is available to them. This is reiterated, as everyone is being asked to Stay at Home, to prevent spreading the coronavirus and thus protecting the NHS and key workers on the frontline,

Shropshire Safeguarding Partnership has put together some contact numbers and resources for people living with, or worried about, domestic abuse at this difficult time.

The useful phone numbers and contacts are:

Shropshire Council First Point of Contact (FPOC)

• Adult social care and safeguarding concerns – 0345 678 9044
• Safeguarding children: access to Compass, children’s social care Front Door and targeted early help – 0345 678 9021
• Housing – 0345 678 9005

Telford and Wrekin Family Connect – 01952 385385 (Family front door, including child protection referrals)

Out of hours Emergency Duty Teams:                       

• Shropshire Council – 0345 678 9040
• Telford & Wrekin Council – 01952 676500
• Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) – 0300 303 1191
• Shropshire Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hours) – 0800 7831 359
• Safe Lives – http://safelives.org.uk The UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.
• Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
• Respect helpline – 0808 802 4040 (for anyone worried that they may be harming someone else)
• Galop – 0800 999 5428 (national helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people experiencing domestic abuse)
• Forced Marriage Unit – 0207 008 015

If you suspect that an abuser is monitoring your Internet usage, find out how to hide your browser history at https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000510.htm

Coronavirus: Community advice and support

Ivan Powell, Independent Chair of the Keeping Adults Safe in Shropshire Board, said:

“It is vitally important for people to stay at home in order to beat coronavirus. But being at home can also increase danger in a different way, for people experiencing domestic abuse.

“We know that this is a difficult and challenging time for everyone – particularly so for adults and children living with domestic abuse, and the professionals working hard to support them.

“For people experiencing domestic abuse it’s important to know that you are not alone.

“Our message is – if you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police. Otherwise, please see our list of contact numbers for people who can help, support and advise you.”

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change – including the prevention of domestic abuse – said:

“We know the coronavirus will impact the most vulnerable in our communities, including those experiencing domestic abuse. With people being asked to stay at home, to protect the NHS and to save lives, many victims of domestic abuse will find themselves even more trapped and in need of support.

“Shropshire Council has, and continues to, fund services within the county to provide refuge and outreach support for those who are fleeing domestic abuse. We have committed additional funding to support those in need at this time and beyond the coronavirus crisis.

“We want to take this opportunity to remind people during this difficult time that if you, or someone you know, are experiencing abuse, you’re not alone. Help and support is available so please get in touch.”

Wendy Bulman, Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service Manager at Connexus, said:

“During this pandemic it is important to know that domestic abuse services are still open and available to help you. We remain committed to support you and can offer you support via telephone, email or access to Refuge or alternative safe accommodation should you need to flee.”

For help and support contact the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service 0300 303 1191 or email sdas@shropsdas.org.uk

The Shropshire Safeguarding Partnership co-ordinates and monitors how different agencies and professional staff work together to protect adults and children from abuse or neglect.