Support for domestic abuse victims 

28th May 2020

Help is available for people in Lancashire and South Cumbria who are experiencing domestic abuse and would like advice, support or just someone to talk to.  

During the coronavirus pandemic domestic abuse support services have experienced an increase in demand. Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is reminding everyone that support is available to victims during this time.

The NHS Trust’s safeguarding team works closely with partners to ensure a coordinated response to domestic abuse, including Lancashire Police, children and adult social care and domestic abuse provider agencies.

Bridgett Welch, Associate Director of Safeguarding at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust said, this is a difficult time for everyone spending extra time indoors who experiences some form of abuse at home. 

She said:

There are many signs and forms of domestic abuse, all related to having control over a person such as making unreasonable demands, isolating someone from friends or family members and making threats. The behaviours would not always be classed as violent and it’s not always easy to spot the signs or recognise when to get help and support.

“Domestic abuse can be any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

“There’s not a single person out there who should go through it alone – we are here to help.”

Domestic abuse services provide a wide range of information and support including refuge accommodation, helplines, outreach support, floating support, resettlement support, specialist children and young people services, domestic abuse advocates and drop in support. 

Bridgett added:

“You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it’s important to tell someone and remember you’re not alone.”

Local domestic abuse support services available include:

Lancashire Victim Support 

0300 323 0085

www.lancashirevictimservices.org

Lancashire Constabulary 

https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk

Call: 101 (non-urgent)    Call: 999 (urgent)

NEST Lancashire (support for children & young people who have witnessed or heard domestic abuse)

0300 111 0323

https://nestlancashire.org

Fylde Coast Women’s Aid (FCWA) (Blackpool / Fylde)

01253 596699

www.fcwa.co.uk

PDVI (Pendle)

01282 726000

www.pdvi.org.uk

WISH Centre (Blackburn with Darwen)

www.bddwa.org

Humraaz (Blackburn with Darwen)

01254 695800

www.humraaz.co.uk

Refuge (National)

0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Safenet (National)

0300 3033 581

https://safenet.org.uk

Samaritans (National)

116 123 (24 hours)

www.samaritans.org

Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid 

Phone: 0151 922 8606

Text:  07779745594

Email: help@swaca.com

Barrow & South Lakes

Springfield domestic abuse support in south Lakeland 

Telephone: 01539 726171

Turning the Spotlight

A package of programmes and interventions for partners, ex partners and children experiencing domestic abuse in the home in South Cumbria.

Telephone: (Laraine Carr) 07919 393 311 

Victim Support

Support line: 0808 168 9111

Galop 

National lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender domestic violence helpline.

Telephone: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428 

Birchall Trust

Provides a free counselling service for individual who have experienced recent or historic rape and sexual abuse in South Cumbria and North Lancashire.

Telephone: 01229 820 828