Domestic Violence and Abuse

Domestic Violence & Abuse during Coronavirus

Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid (NWAL)

NWAL want to assure everyone that they are still working throughout this ever changing time.

NWAL have adapted their practice in accordance with COVID-19 government guidelines and with the support of Public Health, Nottinghamshire County Council and Office of Police and Crime Commissioner Leads to ensure that support can continue safely.

Plans have been put in place which safeguards the NWAL community, including professionals and survivors. The counselling service has closed temporarily as it is face to face support (this is separate to the NWAL specialist domestic abuse support work).

NWAL are currently not running group programmes or face to face work, instead increasing phone contact. NWAL are still accepting referrals for community based services.

NWAL have a remote working plan and so staff will not be at co-location sites at this time.

The Farr Centre in Bassetlaw is closed to visitors at this time.

NWAL want to ensure partners that key mechanisms in regards to domestic abuse are still in practice including;

MARAC
IDVA services
Refuges
Domestic abuse support for children, young people and adults

If you have any questions, please let get in touch by emailing enquiries@nottswa.org or phone the Farr Centre on 01909 533610 between 9:00 – 17:00 Monday - Friday if you have any questions in regards to NWAL services.

NWAL have informed all the service users we are working with in regards to our current operating procedures. If you are in contact with survivors who are / are going to be in contact with NWAL please let them know that NWAL are here for them.

Please be aware that Juno free 24 hour helpline is still operational telephone 0808 800 0340

Equation

Services from Equation are running as normal with the exception of face to face work.

All local services for Nottingham/shire can be found here: Equation.org.uk/need-help

National Support Service Information:

If you are a woman experiencing domestic abuse: 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

If you are a child or young person experiencing domestic abuse: Childline 0800 1111

If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse: Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327

Government guidance

Domestic violence and abuse is the emotional, financial, physical, psychological or sexual abuse of someone by a person they know. This could be a partner, ex-partner, friend or family member.

Domestic abuse is not just about violence, it can also be about someone you know trying to control your life. Living with domestic abuse can have long lasting impact on physical and mental well-being for you and those who live with you.

Anyone can be subjected to abuse, regardless of their social background, age, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity.

If you are in fear of a partner, ex-partner or member of your family, you might be experiencing domestic abuse. This can include:

Calling you names or putting you down in front of others
Making you feel bad about yourself
Threats to kill or harm you, your family or pets
Physical or sexual assaults
Preventing you from seeing friends or family
Withholding or restriction access to money
Withholding your phone

Domestic Abuse can manifest itself online. This could be monitoring your social media, your emails, in home devices, what you are searching online & location monitoring.

Hacking is a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act and can be reported through Action Fraud.

To help you through what may feel like a very scary situation Nottinghamshire Police have pulled together some tips to help you become more secure.

Domestic violence is rarely a one-off event and physical violence often escalates in frequency and severity over time.

Children living with domestic violence and abuse are more likely than other children to be directly abused themselves. Children witnessing domestic violence and abuse are at risk of being harmed emotionally and psychologically and their education and behaviour and development may also suffer.

It is not always easy to believe that you are in an abusive relationship, but acknowledging that you are is an important step in preventing and stopping the violence and abuse.

No matter who you are, you have the right to live free from violence and abuse.

Bassetlaw District Council and Newark & Sherwood District Council have produced their own Domestic Violence Strategy on how it will work to tackle domestic violence. You can find more information about the strategy from the Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood Domestic Violence Strategic Group.

Last Updated on Wednesday, April 15, 2020