Resource for survivors

Safety and wellbeing advice for survivors

Many survivors will be feeling unsafe isolating in a house with an abusive person, and isolated from their support networks. In partnership with fellow specialist organisations, we have put together some advice and information about support available in the following languages.

English Portugese French Punjabi Polish Bengali Urdu Arabic Gujarati Traditional-Chinese Simplified-Chinese Spanish Turkish Farsi Kurdish Welsh

Resource for friends, family, neighbours and community members.

Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, and other forms of Gender-Based Violence – Advice for friends, family, neighbours and community members.

Domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of gender-based violence will increase during the Covid-19 crisis.  Home is not a safe place for everyone, and our vital services are under pressure.  Friends, family, neighbours, and community members can be a vital lifeline for survivors. In partnership with fellow specialist organisations, we have put together some basic guidance on how best to do this.

For-Community_COVID-19-and-Domestic-Abuse-Sexual-Violence

Safety and wellbeing advice for survivors in British Sign Language:

Many survivors will be feeling unsafe isolating in a house with an abusive person, and isolated from their support networks. In partnership with fellow specialist organisations, we have put together some advice and information about support available. Please see below to view the videos outlining this advice in British Sign Language.

Click here to watch our safety advice for survivors in British Sign Language

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Safe Spaces for those Experiencing Domestic Abuse

Morrisons pharmacies open up consulting rooms as safe spaces –

Information on where to get help will be shared on posters and till receipts in all stores –

A 25% increase in calls for help reported by National Domestic Abuse Helpline since lockdown began –

Morrisons is the first supermarket to offer a safe space where victims of domestic abuse can contact support services.

Morrisons is joining forces with the charity Hestia’s UK SAYS NO MORE campaign because a trip to a supermarket is such a routine activity it’s unlikely to alert an abuser.

Consulting rooms in pharmacies in 117 Morrisons stores will be designated safe spaces where Morrisons pharmacists – who have been specially trained – can direct those seeking help to the support they need.

Information about the safe spaces and where to get help will also be shared on posters and till receipts in all 494 Morrisons stores. Morrisons is working with the charity Hestia which has launched the UK SAYS NO MORE campaign as victims of domestic abuse are forced to isolate with perpetrators during lockdown.

The move comes as the National Domestic Violence Helpline has reported a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown began.

Lyndsey Dearlove, Head of UK SAYS NO MORE at Hestia said: “By offering access to help through their supermarkets Morrisons is offering a lifeline to many victims of domestic abuse. Supermarket trips are part of a routine that, even during lockdown, provides a vital opportunity to seek help without raising the suspicions of an abusive partner or household member. The expansion of safe spaces into supermarkets could save lives.”

Lisa Leighton, Head of People at Morrisons said: “We want to help our customers and colleagues during this very difficult time. We provide an environment for our colleagues where those experiencing domestic abuse feel encouraged and empowered to disclose this, and feel confident that we’ll help them get the right specialist support. We wanted to extend this to seek help to our customers. You are not alone. Come to our pharmacies and let our colleagues know if you need help.”

Morrisons will focus on raising awareness and understanding of domestic abuse with colleagues across all 494 stores nationwide over the coming months to ensure that every store becomes a safe space for those who need it the most.

Hestia provides a free mobile app, Bright Sky, which has already seen a 47percent increase in downloads since the lockdown began. The app provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

Victims of domestic abuse can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time.

#ItsMoreThanOurJob (Information from Morrisons website)

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Boots Pharmacy Consultation Rooms become safe spaces for victims of domestic abuse

01 May 2020

From today, victims of domestic abuse will be able to access safe spaces at Boots pharmacy consultation rooms across the country, where they can contact specialist domestic abuse services for support and advice. The scheme is in response to the desperate situation facing many victims who are isolating with perpetrators during lockdown.

Domestic Abuse Charity, Hestia, says it has already seen a 47% increase in victims reaching out for information and support on its free domestic abuse app, Bright Sky. While 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse, the charity is concerned that the figures will be much higher during lockdown, making access to support critical.

Lyndsey Dearlove, Head of the UK SAYS NO MORE Campaign at Hestia said:

“While lockdown and social distancing measures continue, it is restricting victims of domestic abuse reaching out to their friends, family and co-workers for support. We know there is an increased level of uncertainty for people looking to escape an abusive relationship. Self-isolation offers a new method of control over victims, making it very difficult for them to seek support.

We recognise that key workers in pharmacies hold a unique position within the community as a single point of contact for victims. By creating this safe space in Boots pharmacies, we hope many will be able to safely access support while following Government guidelines. We hope more pharmacies will follow Boots UK’s lead and join the Safe Space initiative. Although we are in a period of lockdown and isolation, our message to victims is that domestic abuse services are open and we can help you.”

Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist, Boots UK said:

“Our pharmacies have long been a place that people can turn to for help and advice on their local high street. At times like these, our 2,400 stores in communities across the UK take on increased importance, as a place of safety for those who need one.  We hope that by making our consultation rooms safe spaces, we can help people find the support they need at this difficult time, when many other options are temporarily unavailable. This is something our pharmacy teams feel very passionately about and we would like to thank them for stepping forward to help at a time when they are under tremendous pressure.”

Sara*, a survivor of domestic abuse who lived in a Hestia domestic abuse refuge, said:

“Women or men who are now ‘forced’ indoors with an abusive partner or family member really need a ‘safe haven’ where they can retreat to, collect their thoughts, and get support. Sometimes getting out of that bubble of abuse, which you are in at home, helps you realise that support is out there. It also gives you a little bit of hope and confidence to take a step towards helping yourself.

An abuser wouldn’t think that their victim could access help at the local pharmacy or be able to have a moment in a place like that. So being able to contact a domestic violence helpline in this way will be life-changing for many.”

While in the consultation room, people will have access to:

• 24-hour National domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247
• Men’s advice line: 0808 801 032
• Scotland – Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline (free phone 24/7): 0800 027 1234
• Wales – Live Fear Free Helpline (free phone 24/7): 0808 801 0800
• Northern Ireland – Domestic & Sexual Abuse: 0808 802 1414
• Signposting to download the free mobile app, Bright Sky, which provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

(Information from Boots website)_________________________________________________________________________

The hidden message on Tesco receipts

The message at the bottom of Tesco’s receipts reads: “Help is available if you’re experiencing domestic abuse. “Call the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247. Download the Brightsky App.”

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From Waltham Forest Rising

Help for Female Victims of Violence

Here are some organisations who can offer help – remember in cases of emergency always ring 999.

National Organisations

National Rape Crisis Helpline – 0808 802 9999 – Open 12noon – 2.30pm and 7pm – 9.30pm every day of the year

National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247 – Free phone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge (calls from a land line are free)

Broken Rainbow UK 08452 60 44 60 and Galop  020 7704 2040 both provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic abuse and violence.

The National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300 (free from land lines and 6 mobile networks – 3, Orange, Virgin, Vodafone, T-Mobile and O2). Helpline operates 09:30 – 16:00 weekdays (except Wed 13:00 – 16:00).  The helpline provides guidance and information to anybody who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking.

Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA) List of useful links to a variety of helpful organisations

Surviving Economic Abuse – a resource website for women on surviving economic abuse.

The Respect Phoneline– freephone 0808 802 4040 – for perpetrators of domestic violence of either gender and professionals, who would like further information about services for those using violence/abuse in their intimate partner relationships.

Local Organisations

East London Rape Crisis Service – 020 7683 1210 – helpline is run by the charity Nia who aim to prevent violence against women and children and protect women and children who have experienced gender-based violence

Victim Support Waltham Forest – 020 8556 6006

Ashiana – 020 8539 0427 – provides refuge and outreach services to South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women aged 16-30 who are experiencing domestic violence, forced marriage and/or sexual violence with culturally sensitive advice, support and safe housing- enabling them to make positive and appropriate choices for themselves.

Waltham Forest Haven – 020 8539 4157 – offers a specific service to victims of sexual violence and / or sexual abuse and domestic violence in Waltham Forest and the surrounding boroughs.  WF Haven supports, assists and empowers young people and adults who have suffered incest, childhood sexual violence or and/or abuse, domestic violence, physical, mental and emotional abuse, rape and torture

The Kiran Project – 020 8558 1986 – provides safe, temporary accommodation and support services to Asian women and their children who are under threat of domestic violence in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. This is a culturally sensitive service provided by Asian women for Asian women and children.

Report It provides free and confidential advice and support to anyone living or working in Waltham Forest who has been a victim of hate crime or domestic violence.

Stay Safe East works in Waltham Forest, Newham and Redbridge for the rights of Deaf and disabled people to be free from domestic and sexual violence, as well as of hate crime and bullying. They are an advocacy project run by disabled people for disabled people and you can talk to a female or male advocate. They can support you to help keep yourself safe, report violence and abuse and to get help with housing, benefits, parenting issues or any other help you need. Tel: 020 8519 7241  Mobile /SMS text: 07958 134 122   E-mail: advocacy@staysafe-east.org.uk

Waltham Forest Tulips is a domestic abuse support service for victims and survivors who live in the London Borough of Waltham Forest.  Their confidential support service includes crisis support, risk assessment, safety planning, access to drop-in centres, access to support groups, and referrals to refuges/emergency accommodations. Tel: 020 3700 0266  Email : sarah.vile@walthamforesttulips.org

Forced Marriage

For forced marriage and so-called “honour” crimes, contact:

Karma Nirvana Honour Network Helpline 0800 5999 247

The Forced Marriage Unit – 020 7008 0151

Female Genital Mutilation and Child Marriage

Child Abuse Investigation Command/Project Azure – This is the Metropolitan Police ‘s  dedicated service for girls at risk of FGM. Call them  on 020 71612888

The Foundation for Women’s Health, Research and Development – FORWARD works to eliminate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation and provide support to women affected by FGM.

Police and Social Services

Police Sapphire Unit 020 8345 3274/327 – Sapphire is a Metropolitan Police Unit for the investigation of rapes and other serious sexual violence, with not only an emphasis to arrest and prosecute the perpetrator and investigate the offence to the satisfaction of victim, but just as importantly, on the care and support of victims of these crimes.

Police Community Safety – to report all domestic violence 020 8345 3042 – Address: 1 Kings Head Hill, Chingford, London E4

Safeguarding Adults Team – 020 8496 3000 – A campaign has been launched by Waltham Forest Council urging residents to report any suspected abuse of vulnerable adults.  Abuse does not just cover physical harm but also things like sexual abuse, theft or withholding benefits, emotional abuse, threatening, abandonment, neglect or discrimination.

If you or a family member have travelled from China, Thailand, Japan Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau or Northern Italy, you may be at risk of Coronavirus.

If you have been in contact with someone confirmed as  having Coronavirus in the last two weeks OR If you feel unwell with flu like symptoms, fever, cough, breathing difficulties and/or diarrhoea please do NOT leave the house or attend the surgery.

For patients concerned that they may have Coronavirus or may have come into contact with someone who has, the NHS 111 online service has created Coronavirus pages that tell patients what they should do based on their particular circumstances. This can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Patients should not call 111 directly as they are experiencing very high call volumes. Instead please use the online  system at https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19.

If you are travelling please click this link for the most up to date information on Coronavirus. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/499/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice-for-travellers

Self Isolating

GP Surgeries are not required to issue Sick Notes/ Med3 Certificates for self isolation. Please use to following link if you need to give evidence to your employer. https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/