Important:

Communication from Avon Local Medical Committee about GP Collective Action

Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone.  There is never an excuse for it, no matter what your circumstances are. We encourage you to seek help, please find more information below.

Emergency advice: If you are in immediate danger call 999 and ask for the police.

If you are unable to speak and on a mobile, press 55 when asked and the call handler will ask you questions that you can just reply yes or no.  On a landline leave the phone off the hook and the police will try and trace you.

What is domestic violence?

Emotional abuse

Does someone in your home ever:

  • Belittle you, or put you down?
  • Blame you for the abuse or arguments?
  • Deny that abuse is happening, or play it down?
  • Isolate you from your family and friends?
  • Stop you going to college or work?
  • Make unreasonable demands for your attention?
  • Accuse you of flirting or having affairs?
  • Tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?
  • Control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things?
Threats and intimidation

Does someone in your home ever:

  • Threaten to hurt or kill you?
  • Destroy things that belong to you?
  • Stand over you, invade your personal space?
  • Threaten to kill themselves or the children?
  • Read your emails, texts or letters?
  • Harass or follow you?
Physical abuse

Does someone in your home ever:

  • Slap, hit or punch you?
  • Push or shove you?
  • Bite or kick you?
  • Burn you?
  • Choke you or hold you down?
  • Throw things?
Sexual abuse

Does someone in your home ever:

  • Touch you in a way you don’t want to be touched?
  • Make unwanted sexual demands?
  • Hurt you during sex?
  • Pressure you to have unsafe sex – for example, not using a condom?
  • Pressure you to have sex?

If your partner, or former partner, has sex with you when you don’t want to, this is rape. Have you ever felt afraid of your partner or former partner? Have you ever changed your behaviour because you’re afraid of what your partner, or former partner, might do? If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there is help available.

Get Help Locally

If you live in Southmead, Lawrence Weston, Avonmouth, Henbury, Sea Mills or Shirehampton, our excellent local domestic abuse service can help you and we strongly encourage you to seek support from them. If you live further away, you can still contact them and they will direct you to an appropriate service. Click the find out more button below to access the most up-to-date contact details.

Find out more here

National Services

Refuge - National Domestic Violence Helpline

National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which you can call for free, and in confidence, 24 hours a day.

It's website provides guidance and support for potential victims, as well as those who are worried about friends and loved ones. It also has a form through which you can book a safe time for a call from the team. 

Find out contact details and more information here

Respect - Men's Advice Line

The Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.

Find out contact details and more information here

NSPCC - Child Abuse Support

If you have any concerns about a child, trust your instincts and contact the NSPCC Helpline. Their specialist team will listen, advise and take any action needed.

Find out contact details and more information here

Childline

Online, on the phone, anytime.

Childline are there for you, whatever is on your mind, they will support you. Guide you. Help make decisions that are right for you.

Their tips and techniques, ideas and inspiration, can help you feel more in control and you can access them in your own time, at your own pace.

Find out contact details and more information here

MIND - Free Mental Health Support

Supported self-help is available for adults living in England and the Channel Islands.

Find out contact details and more information here

YoungMinds

Whether you want to understand how you're feeling, find ways to feel better, or support someone who's struggling, YoungMinds are there to help.

Find out contact details and more information here

ICON - Caring for Babies Support

Babies cry, you CAN cope.

When babies cry it can be stressful and overwhelming. Help is out there and all you need to do is ask.

Find out contact details and more information here