Domestic abuse and Christmas: help is always there
Christmas is not always a time of peace and goodwill. The holiday period will inevitably create additional strains on family life through kids being off school for two weeks, illness (COVID is still out there), financial stresses due to the cost of living, or simply being together in the home much more than usual.
At LGFL, we are acutely aware that for for those affected by domestic abuse and/or coercive control, the home may not be the safest place to be.
The time to act is NOW
Remember, the UK emergency services are here to help everyone, anytime. If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, the time to act is NOW.
- Call 999 and if possible, get yourself and your children to a place of safety. The police WILL respond.
- Women, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
- Men, call the ManKind confidential helpline on 01823 334244
Once you’re safe, contact us for professional legal advice on how to proceed.
There are also local and national organisations who can help anyone suffering from domestic and/or emotional abuse to change their situation. We’ve listed their details below, or you can also download the list as a PDF.
National Helplines
24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Respect (perpetrators)
https://respectphoneline.org.uk
Karma Nirvana
(National Honour Based Abuse Helpline)
Victim Support Domestic Abuse
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/domestic-abuse/
County Services
Berkshire - Women's Aid
https://www.berkshirewomensaid.org.uk
Hampshire - Stop Domestic Abuse
0330 053 3630 - option 3
Hampshire - Domestic Abuse Prevention Partnership
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/domesticabuse
Surrey - The Sanctuary
https://www.yoursanctuary.org.uk/
Female Support
Women’s Refuge
A safe place for women in need
Women’s Aid (Live chat)
Male Support
Mankind - Helping Men Escape
Respect Men’s Advice Line
AMIS Scotland
https://abusedmeninscotland.org
LGBTQ+ Support
Galop National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence
Child Services
NSPCC - Child Protection Helpline
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/
Childline
Helpful Websites
Need legal advice?
Contact us at LGFL in complete confidence.