Staying safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic

A Safety Plan

• Keep your mobile phone in  credit and charged.
• Have a list of or memorise  emergency numbers.
• Identify safe areas of the house and escape routes.
• Put money aside for taxi or bus fares.
• Have an extra set of car/house keys.
• Pack an emergency bag in case you have to leave in a hurry.
• Gather important documents  together e.g. passport, birth/marriage certificates, legal       orders, list of medications.
• Tell a friend or neighbour what is happening.

Domestic Abuse

COVID-19 is having a serious impact on the lives of women, children and men living with domestic abuse. Those living with controlling personalities and perpetrators of domestic abuse are likely to be feeling unsafe due to being further isolated in the house with their abuser. You may not be able to access support networks of family and friends increasing the feeling of isolation.

If this is you, please be assured that you are not alone. Services continue to offer support to victims of domestic abuse living within the BCP area.

This leaflet contains some  helpful safety planning advice and phone numbers.

Worried about a friend, family member or neighbour?

You might be particularly concerned about a family member or a friend at the moment if they will be at home with their abuser. Always encourage them to call 999 in an emergency.

Do not approach the perpetrator about their behaviour, this could escalate the abuse and put them in further danger. It is also important that you do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Rail to refuge scheme

Anyone fleeing domestic abuse can now access free train travel to refuge accommodation, through Women’s Aid’s new ‘rail to refuge’ scheme, supported by South Eastern and Great Western Railway. You can access this service via this email address: railtorefuge@raildeliverygroup.com

Domestic abuse affects people in all sections of society. It goes on behind closed doors with the victim often afraid to ask for help.

Drop-in sessions

Women only drop in

• Monday 12:00-2:00pm at Cornerstone Church, Holloway Ave, Bournemouth BH11 9JR
• Wednesday 12:30-2:30pm at City Gate Church 138A Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth BH8 8AS
• 1st Tues of every month 12:00-2:00pm at Water Lilly Café 131 Barrack Rd, Christchurch BH23 2AW

Male drop-in

• Tuesday 11:30am-12:30pm at Somerford ARC,20 Southey Road Somerford Christchurch BH23 3EH
• Thursday 10:30-11:30am at Ted Webster Family Centre 519A Ashley Rd, Poole BH14 0BD

Helpline Numbers

Together we can (BCP Helpline) - 0300 1237052

Food support

• Trussell Trust – 01722 580 180
• Fareshare – 0131 608 0967

Financial advice

• Money Advice Service – 0800 138 7777
• National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
• Citizens Advice Bureau – 03444 111 444

Mental health support

• Samaritans – 116 123
• Mind – 0300 123 3393
• SANE – 020 3805 1790 

Housing & homelessness

• Crisis – 020 7426 5685
• Shelter – 0800 800 4444

Support for children

• NSPCC – 0808 800 5000

Help for the elderly

• Age UK – 0800 678 1602

Get Help

If you find yourself in immediate danger call 999

Domestic Abuse Helpline for BCP residents (24 Hours) - 01202 710 777

Men’s Advice Line Mon-Fri 9am-5pm - 0808 801 0327

GALOP (LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline) – 08009995428