WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999

  • When you are unable to speak - dial 999 from your mobile then press 55 when prompted and a police response will be alerted. This is called the silent solution system
  • If the situation is not an emergency, but you still need the police, call 101.
  • If you're deaf or unable to use a voice phone - you can register with the police text service - text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.

Survivors and supporters forum

The survivors and supporters forum is for adults who have been affected by domestic abuse in Warrington.

The key aim of the forum is to provide a platform for survivors, their family, friends and colleagues to contribute to the development of our response to domestic abuse across the town.

It is proposed that the forum will meet four times a year and each meeting will be no longer than two hours. It will be facilitated by experienced practitioners in the area and all information will treated with the strictest confidence and sensitivity.

If you are interested in joining the forum and would like further information please email our Domestic Abuse team at domesticabusepartnership@warrington.gov.uk.

Domestic abuse affects the whole family. You are not alone, talk to someone that can help. In an emergency, always dial 999.

It doesn’t matter if it happens just once, or every so often, or on a regular basis. And it doesn’t have to actually happen - threatening you, or your children, with anything like this could be considered domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse can start at any time, in new relationships or after many years together.  And it can happen to anyone, in all kinds of relationships, no matter what your social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality or lifestyle is.   

Domestic abuse can be:

  • Hurting you physically
  • Insulting or constantly criticising you
  • Controlling what you do and where you go
  • Isolating you from your friends and family
  • Assaulting you sexually
  • Controlling your money
  • Punishing or humiliating you
  • Breaking something important to you, or smashing things in your home
  • Scaring you, for example by driving dangerously
  • Forcing you to marry someone without your consent 
  • Digital or online abuse: using technology to further isolate, humiliate or control someone.
  • Honour based violence:  Any form of abuse justified to protect perceived honour or respect of family or community, can include; forced marriage, female genital mutilation, assault and murder.
  • Threating to 'out' your orientation or gender Identity
  • Your abuser threating to harm themselves if you leave or seek help

Domestic abuse support services

Who can help? Local support

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

Local support in Warrington

  • Warrington Domestic Abuse hub - advice, emotional and practical support for women, men and young people. Call 01925 243359
  • Warrington Women's Aid Refuge - safe accommodation for women and children, and support and advice to men experiencing domestic abuse. Call 01925 417138
  • Cheshire Police - 101 (non-emergency)
  • Safe/Emergency Accommodation - The Homelessness and Housing Advice Service can assist you in finding alternative accommodation in an emergency and provide advice on housing options. They can also arrange to install extra safety measures in your current home – known` as a ‘sanctuary scheme’ if deemed safe. For further information Email housingadvice@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 246868 (out of hours: 01925 444400)
  • The Domestic Abuse Money and Benefits Advice service. This service can provide advice and support on debt, mortgage and rent arrears, financial advice, assessing benefit entitlement, and housing advice call 01925 246970 or email admin@warrington.cabnet.org.uk
  • Cheshire CARES (Cope and Recovery Enhanced Service) - local support for victims of crime, even if you don’t want to report the crime to the police. Call 01606 366336
  • DV Assist – can help you to get Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Occupation Orders. Call 0800 195 8699

Safe Spaces in Warrington

UK Says No More works with organisations to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse.

You can use a safe space in whichever way works for you. They provide a safe and discreet space, and a phone,  to reach out to friends and family, and contact specialist support services or the police. Safe Spaces are open and ready for you to use, simply ask a member of staff to use their Safe Space. Safe Spaces in Warrington can be found at:

  • Nationwide Warrington - Sankey Street
  • TSB Warrington - Buttermarket Street
  • HSBC Warrington - Bridge Street
  • Santander Warrington - Buttermarket Street
     

Ask for ANI

Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) has been developed by the Home Office to allow domestic abuse sufferers to signal they need emergency help to a chemist.

Victims of domestic abuse are able to use the codeword ANI in participating pharmacies and jobcentres to let staff know that they require an emergency police response or help contacting a helpline or specialist support service.

  • Superdrug Warrington - Golden Square Shopping Centre
  • Boots Warrington - Golden Square Shopping Centre
  • Superdrug Warrington - Cockhedge Shopping Centre
  • Warrington Jobcentre - Mersey Street
  • Boots - Manchester Road
  • Boots Stockton Heath - London Road
  • Boots Warrington - Gemini Retail Park
National support

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

National helplines

  • The 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline. Call 0808 2000 247
  • The Men's Advice Line - a national charity dedicated to helping and supporting male victims of domestic abuse. Call 0808 8010327.
  • Galop – national helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence. Call 0800 999 5428.
  • Karma Nirvana - supporting victims of honour-based abuse including forced marriage. Call 0800 5999 247
  • FCO Forced Marriage Unit - a government helpline dedicated to supporting British Nationals overseas and in the UK who are affected by or at risk of a forced marriage. Call 020 7008 0151 (or 0044 20 7008 0151 if you are overseas)
  • NSPCC FGM helpline - if you're worried a child is at risk of or has already had FGM, call the free, anonymous dedicated FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgm.help@nspcc.org.uk
  • National Stalking Helpline - for victims of stalking, their friends, family and professionals. Call the helpline 0808 802 0300 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.30am-4pm, Wednesday 1pm-4pm) stalking helpline enquiry form 
  • Southall Black Sisters - advocacy and information for Asian and Afro-Caribbean women suffering abuse
  • Muslim Women’s Network Helpline - national specialist faith and culturally sensitive helpline that is confidential. Call 0800 999 5786, text 07415 206 936 or email info@mwnhelpline.co.uk
  • The Traveller Movement (TM) - Help for Gypsies, Roma and Traveller women call/whatsApp 0754 1637 795
  • Vestar specialist family support - Support for Polish victims of domestic abuse. Email info@vestasfs.org call 07545075093 (Mon - Thur 9:30 -15:00)

Find out about a partner's past - Clare's Law

Support for men

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

If you’re a man in an abusive relationship, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Abuse of men happens far more often than you might expect - in both heterosexual and same sex relationships.

Figures suggest that as many as 1 in 6 victims of domestic abuse are male. However, men are often reluctant to report abuse because they feel embarrassed, fear they won’t be believed, or are scared that their partner will take revenge.

If you are a man experiencing domestic violence and you need emergency help you can call the police on 999.

Men have exactly the same rights as women to be safe in their own homes. All statutory services (the police, Crown Prosecution Service, housing departments and social services) have a duty to provide services to all, whatever their gender. Men are protected by exactly the same laws as women, anyone who has assaulted another person, regardless of the gender of either, can be prosecuted.

Admitting the problem and seeking help doesn’t mean you have failed as a man or as a husband. You are not to blame, and you are not weak.

There are several specialist agencies that can provide you with the help and support  during this difficult time.

Safe/Emergency Accommodation

While there are very few refuge, safe houses or supported housing facilities available in the UK for male victims, local authorities have a duty to ensure domestic abuse victims (and children) are able to access emergency housing. The Homelessness and Housing Advice Service can assist you in finding alternative accommodation in an emergency and provide advice on housing options. They can also arrange to install extra safety measures in your current home – known` as a ‘sanctuary scheme’ if deemed safe. For further information Email housingadvice@warrington.gov.uk or call 01925 246868 (out of hours: 01925 444400)

Support and advice

  • Warrington Domestic Abuse hub - the service offers an IDVA who specialises in supporting male survivors. Call 01925 243359
  • Men’s Advice Line: for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Call the helpline 0808 801 0327 or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk
  • ManKind: the ManKind initiative operates a confidential helpline for men who experience violence from their partners or ex-partners. Call the helpline 01823 334244
  • Galop National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence, Call 0800 999 5428
  • Survivors UK: for adult male survivors of rape or sexual assault. Text 020 3322 1860 or email info@survivorsuk.org
Support for children and young people

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

Children are affected by domestic abuse both in the short and long term, whether they are abused themselves or if they’ve seen it happen, or think it’s happening, to someone else in the family.

Report that a child or young person is being, or is at risk of being abused

Child to Parent Abuse (CPA)

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

Child to Parent Abuse is where a child (of any age) displays repeated abusive behaviours towards a parent. This abuse may be physical, verbal, economic, digital, coercive or even sexual.

Child to Parent Abuse is often misunderstood and complex, parents often don’t feel able to speak out around the abuse due to stigma and others not understanding the abuse they are facing is in fact domestic abuse. There is often an element of blame and shame faced by parents as well as isolation with many professionals still blaming parents and directing them to parenting courses or behavioural management programmes.

Statistics show that behaviours commonly start before the child is six, with abusive behaviours continuing after they turn 18 and into adulthood. 2 in five of those affected do not feel able to keep their family safe, and around 70% have had to reduce their hours or leave work completely. This highlights the significant impact Child to Parent Abuse has on a family and why there is a need for multiagency support and awareness to be made.

The abusive behaviours also often target others in the family home, including siblings and pets. Even if not directly targeted, siblings often withdraw from the family in response – for example, by spending more time outside the home or by withdrawing into their bedrooms. 36% of those displaying abusive behaviours have also harmed or even killed a family pet or other animal.

  • Warrington DA Hub – the service offers a lead that specialises in Child to Parent Abuse. Call 01925 243359
  • Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS) - Founded as a response to the lack of support services specifically designed to help parents, carers and guardians experiencing Child to Parent Abuse.
  • Respect - Respect offers support to professionals to respond effectively to young people who use violence and abuse towards their parents. They deliver training and workforce development.
  • Family Lives - confidential helpline and web chat, offers live online chat, email support or a confidential helpline, for parents experiencing any form of stress or difficulty in their lives. (During the night, calls are redirected to the Samaritans helpline)
Honour based abuse

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

Female genital mutilation

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

  • NSPCC FGM helpline – if you’re worried that a child is at risk of, or has had, female genital mutilation. Call 0800 028 3550
Sexual Abuse support

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

Vulnerable adults

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

Some adults may be more at risk and less able to protect themselves from harm or abuse. This might be because they’re older, or have a disability, an addiction or a physical or mental illness.

If you feel a vulnerable adult is unable to make decisions for themselves and is likely to remain at risk of abuse, you should call the Adult Social Care First Response Team on 01925 443322 outside of office hours call 01925 652222 or in a non emergency situation call the police on 101. In an emergency always call 999.

  • Warrington Adult Safeguarding Board
  • Hourglass - confidential helpline for anyone concerned about abuse of an older person. Call 0808 808 8141
  • SignHealth - domestic abuse support for deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL). Call 020 3947 2601, text, WhatsApp, Facetime 07970 350366, or email da@signhealth.org.uk


     

Online support and safety - mobile apps

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

Online support is more crucial than ever before. Below are some online services you can use to report the abuse and access support.

  • Bright Sky - app which provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is available in several languages including English, Urdu, Punjabi and Polish
  • Chayn - provides online tools, information, courses and support for people experiencing abuse. Their DIY online safety guide details how to secure devices or clear browsing history after you've accessed a website
  • The Survivors' Forum - an online resource for survivors of domestic abuse. It aims to be a place where survivors can support each other and share their experiences
  • Women's Aid -  national charity supporting women impacted by domestic abuse is currently offering an online chat service
  • Respect Phoneline is a national, confidential and anonymous helpline for anyone concerned about their violence or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner. A team of skilled professionals can offer advice, information and support to help you stop being violent and abusive to your partner. Respect is also currently offering a web chat service
Supporting neighbours, family and friends

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

The national charity Safelives has developed the campaign #Reachin that highlights how informal networks can support someone experiencing domestic abuse.

It provides tips on staying in touch and being that lifeline during Covid-19 and beyond. If you are worried about the safety of your loved ones/neighbour then make the call of help to the police on 101 as they are unable to.

Research by Surviving Economic Abuse found that one in six UK adults has experienced economic abuse by a current or former partner. Over a third didn’t tell anyone at the time. Those who did were most likely to confide in family and friends. Spotting the signs of economic abuse for family and friends.

Support for those who abuse

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

Respect - support for men and women facing up to abusive behaviour towards a partner. Call 0808 802 4040

 

Referral form - Are you concerned about your behaviour towards your partner? The Engage Programme can help anyone over the age of 18 adopt positive behaviour and improve the quality of your relationship. You can self-refer or be referred by an agency.  

Disrespect NoBody campaign

WEBSITE QUICK EXIT

We’re supporting the Home Office campaign ‘Disrespect NoBody’, which encourages young people to know the signs of an unhealthy relationship and to prevent both boys and girls, aged 12 to 18 years old, from becoming victims of abusive relationships or from harming others.

The Disrespect NoBody campaign helps young people to:

  • Understand what a healthy relationship is
  • Re-think their views of controlling behaviour, violence, abuse and sexual abuse
  • Understand what consent means within their relationships
Support for people who identify as LGBTQ+
  • Warrington domestic abuse hub - The service offers an IDVA who specialises in supporting LGBTQ+ survivors. Call 01925 243359. 
  • Galop - National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence 0800 999 5428

Warrington Domestic Abuse Partnership (WDAP)

Along with the police and local support groups and charities, we are a member of WDAP. The group works together to try and reduce domestic abuse in Warrington, and make sure people know about how domestic abuse effects people, families and communities. Contact WDAP on 01925 443124.