What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is the emotional, physical, sexual, psychological or economic abuse of power and the exercise of control by an individual or individuals of a family member, partner or ex-partner regardless of gender, age or sexual orientation. Domestic abuse can take different forms, including:
Physical abuse
Hurting someone through physical actions like hitting, pushing or restraining.
Sexual abuse
Forcing or pressuring someone into sexual activity they don’t want or can’t consent to.
Emotional abuse
Using words, threats or manipulation to undermine someone’s confidence and wellbeing.
Financial abuse
Controlling someone’s money, debts, access to funds or ability to work.
Coercive control
A pattern of behaviours that frighten, isolate or control someone, taking away their freedom.
Digital/online abuse
Using phones, social media or technology to monitor, threaten or control someone.
Honour’-based abuse
Violence or control used to protect perceived family or community “honour”.
Forced marriage
Making someone marry without their full, free and informed consent.
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Removing or harming female genitalia for non‑medical reasons.
Are you experiencing domestic abuse?
In an emergency always call the emergency services on 999. If you are unable to speak, press ‘55’ which will alert the operator to the fact you need emergency assistance.
If you call from a landline and don’t speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they will transfer you to the police.
If your situation is not an emergency, you can contact the police by calling 101 or by attending a local Police Station.
Refuge have a 24-hour help line 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, you can use their live chat Monday Friday 3pm-10pm
Domestic Abuse Drop-In Sessions
Here's Claire to discuss the importance of our Domestic Abuse Drop-In sessions.
Support for domestic abuse victims
Have you ever felt afraid of your partner? Have you ever changed your behaviour because you're afraid of what your partner might do? If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are lots of people who can help you.
To provide additional support to those in our community that are experiencing domestic abuse, we are hosting regular Domestic Abuse Drop-In Sessions in the Customer Hub of our Partnership Building.
What to Expect at the Drop-In Sessions
Confidential Support: Our team will be available to offer confidential advice and support. Whether you need someone to talk to or are seeking guidance on your next steps, our team is here to help.
Resource Access: Information on local resources, including shelters, legal assistance, and counselling services, will be provided. We aim to connect you with the support you need to navigate your situation.
Safe Space: The sessions are held in a secure and private setting within the Magenta Living Partnership Building, ensuring your privacy and safety.
Empowerment and Education: Learn about your rights, the dynamics of domestic abuse, and strategies for safety planning. Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions.
How to Attend
The drop-in sessions will be held on the last Thursday of each month from 10am to 4pm at the Magenta Living Community Hub, located at Partnership Building, Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5AA. No appointment is necessary; you can simply walk in during the session hours and ask to speak to CeCe.
Paul Lavelle Foundation offers domestic abuse support for males and children who are victims of Domestic Abuse
Tomorrow’s Women offers a wide range of support for women including domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, social isolation and wellbeing and confidence.
Wirral Council also offer a wide range of services which can be found here- including information on how to access them.Click here for support
0808 2000 247 | |
0808 802 4040 | |
0800 970 2070 | |
07802 722 703 | |
0151 236 2879 |
Respect Men's Advice Line - confidential helpline, email and webchat service for male victims of domestic abuse. Call 0808 801 0327 or visit mensadviceline.org.uk
ManKind Initiative – helping men escape domestic abuse 0808 800 1170. Mankind.org.uk
Men Too Merseyside – support, signposting, wellbeing and counselling service for me 0151 653 3771 . Contact Information – Men Too Merseyside
The Crossing Point – help for men, women and young people. 07731878076 thecrossingpoint.co.uk
You can download the free Bright Sky App to your mobile phone.
Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.
Take a look at our current policy
Visit the Refuge Website
How to support someone you think is being abused
If you're worried a friend is being abused, let them know you've noticed something is wrong. They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.
If someone confides in you that they're suffering domestic abuse:
Listen, and take care not to blame them
Acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiencing abuse
Give them time to talk, but do not push them to talk if they do not want to
Acknowledge they're in a frightening and difficult situation
Tell them nobody deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what the abuser has said
Support them as a friend, encourage them to express their feelings, and allow them to make their own decisions
Do not tell them to leave the relationship or leave home if they're not ready – that's their decision
Ask if they have suffered physical harm and if they have, offer to go with them to a hospital or GP
Help them report the assault to the police if they choose to
Be ready to provide information about organisations that offer help for people experiencing domestic abuse
Worried about hurting someone?
Through positive engagement, we offer support to refer those who may be perpetrators of domestic abuse. We understand that acknowledging the problem and taking steps toward change requires strength-and we are here to help.
If you are concerned that your actions may be abusive, it is never too late to take responsibility and seek help.
For more information and resources, visit:
www.itsneverokwirral.org.uk
ItsNeverOk is part of the Wirral Domestic Abuse Alliance - a formal partnership of statutory agencies and voluntary organisations working together to tackle domestic abuse across the Wirral.
Outreach programmes and further support can be accessed via the below websites:
Respect - www.respect.org.uk
Caring for Dads (Male Only) - dahub@wirral.gov.uk
Changing Me - Tomorrow's Women (Female Only) 0151 647 7907
Leaf - Open Door Charity (Child On Parent) www.opendoorcharity.com
Involve Northwest - 0151 644 1100
Paul Lavelle Foundation - 0151 249 4176
