Domestic abuse - where to get help during the lockdown

09 April 2020

Incidents of domestic abuse are increasing during the COVID-19 lockdown. It's important to know that if you're in an abusive relationship you can still leave home during the COVID-19 lockdown.

We've gathered together some of the many sources of support available if you're affected by this issue: 

If you're a Curo resident, check our domestic abuse web pages for information about how we can help.

This leaflet from B&NES Council's Domestic Violence Service includes all agencies in Bath & North East Somerset plus other national services.

Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance's Silent Solutions leaflet explains how to call for help when living with an abuser.

The Brightsky app from Hestia gives access to: 

• Information in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Polish.
• A unique UK-wide directory of specialist domestic abuse support services with contact details.
• A secure My Journal tool to record incidents of abuse via text, audio, video or photo form, without any of the content being saved on the device itself.
• Questionnaires to assess the safety of a relationship, plus a section on dispelling myths around domestic and sexual abuse.
• Links to further resources and information on topics around domestic abuse.

The following helplines are all able to support tenants:

COVID-19 advice

• NHS – 111
• NHS – 999 (For severe symptoms or
  other illnesses)

Urgent help

• 999 or 112

Housing advice, benefits & legal support

• Citizens Advice Bureau – 03444 111
  444
• Your local council - links on our main domestic abuse web page

Housing & homelessness

• Crisis – 020 7426 5685
• Shelter – 0800 800 4444

Financial advice

• Money Advice Service – 0800 138
  7777
• National Debtline – 0808 808 4000

Domestic abuse & violence

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline –
  0808 2000 247
• Men’s Advice Line – 0808 8010 327
• GALOP (LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline) – 08009995428

Disability & impairment

• Disability Living Foundation Charity – 0300 999 0004
• Disability Rights UK – independent
  living and carers – 0330 995 0404

Food support

• Trussell Trust – 01722 580 180
• Fareshare – 0131 608 0967

Help for older people

• Age UK – 0800 678 1602

Refugee, asylum & immigration support

• Migrant Help – 0808 8010 503
• British Red Cross – 0344 871 11 11

Mental health support

• Samaritans – 116 123
• Mind – 0300 123 3393
• SANE – 020 3805 1790

Support for children

• NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

Animal welfare

• RSPCA – 0300 123 4999​