Be safe and get help with domestic abuse

If you are a woman or man living in fear of your partner or family member remember:

you are not to blame
you are not alone
you can get help
you are already a survivor
you can get your life back

Remember you cannot change the person who is hurting you but you can take steps to make you and your children safer.

Safety planning

In emergency call 999.

You can also call the national 24 hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

We also have a domestic abuse intervention and prevention service (DAIPS) that offers a confidential service for male and female victims. This is for anyone aged 16 years and over. More information can be found on our DAIPS page.

Keeping Safe

You and your children have a right to be safe.

Choose someone to talk to, whether you plan to leave or stay e.g. a friend, relative or one of the agencies listed here. If you are pregnant you can talk to your midwife
talk with a specialist worker (Domestic Abuse Intervention and Prevention Service or Refuge)
if you need to leave try to plan it by talking to a refuge, homelessness agency or friends
take important records with you e.g. medical, school, financial stuff, children’s toys and your precious personal things
tell someone who cares about you that you are safe
be careful after you’ve left
get legal advice (contact solicitors or NCDV – the National Centre for Domestic Violence)
talk with your children about how they keep safe

Support contacts for adults affected by abuse

Action on Elder Abuse 080 8808 8141
Adults’ Safeguarding 0300 123 7034
Cheshire Without Abuse (Refuge and Support) 01270 250390
Cheshire Cares – Victim Services 01606 366 336
Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service 01244 307499 or 0808 2840 484
Domestic Abuse Intervention and Prevention Service (DAIPS) - 0300 123 7047 (option 2)
Forced Marriage Unit 020 7008 0151
Karma Nirvana – Female and Male Forced Marriage Advice 0800 5999 247
LGBT helpline 0800 999 5428 or galop.org.uk, email help@galop.org.uk
M.A.L.E.(Men’s Advice Line) 0808 801 0327
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300
NCDV (help with injunctions etc) 0800 970 2070
Police (24 hour) 101
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre 01244 907710
Refuge call National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 or access contact form via nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Sexual Abuse Referral Centre 0161 276 6515
Victim Support 0300 303 1979
WHAG (Refuge and Support) 0151 356 4686 or chesterreferrals@whag.info
Women’s Aid

Support contacts for children affected by abuse

Childline - for children seeking help 0800 1111
Children’s Safeguarding 0300 123 7047 (option 1)
Disrespect Nobody - for young people involved in domestic or sexual violence
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
The Hideout - for children and young people experiencing abuse

Support contacts for abusive adults

Respect Phone Line respectphoneline.org.uk, call 0808 802 4040, webchat

Miscellaneous contacts

Al-Anon/Al-A-Teen 020 7403 0888
Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 9177 650
Drug and Alcohol Services 0300 123 2679
Foodbank trusselltrust.org
Housing Solutions 0808 175 3595
Open the Door – help for you, or someone you know, who is in a relationship that doesn’t feel quite right
Samaritans (local) 01244 377999
Samaritans 116 123 (Free Phone)
Shelterline 0808 800 4444
The Deaf Health Charity text 07970 350366
Train Enquiries 03457 484950
Tomorrows Women
- 0151 477907(Wirral)
- 01244 906 494 (chester)
- If you have accessed this service they would like to hear from you via their survey

People have the right to be safe in their homes and relationships regardless of gender and sexuality. All services listed above can offer help or direct callers to appropriate services.

Additionally the Council Domestic Abuse Intervention and Prevention Service is available to offer help and support by calling 0300 123 7047

If you would like a hard copy leaflet containing the information above please contact 01606 274 305 or email idvawest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk