Women's Aid have published safety advice for survivors.

COVID-19 will have serious impacts on the lives of women and children. Survivors are telling Women's Aid that they are feeling unsafe with the prospect of being isolated in the house with their perpetrator.

Women's Aid wants to reassure survivors and local specialist services that they are here for you and they are doing everything they can to support you during this challenging time.

Try and keep a mobile phone with you at all times if possible. The police are a key service when in immediate danger. Do not be afraid to call 999 in an emergency.

Their safety advice also includes:

• The Silent Solution system 
• Support services - including helpline and email counselling with Supportline
• Women's Aid services - including, Survivor's Forum, live chat and email service
• What to do if you are thinking of leaving
• Child contact arrangements
• Welfare benefits - check your benefit entitlement at Turn2Us
• Financial Abuse - support available from Surviving Economic Abuse
• Immigration and contacting the Immigration Advice Service
• Translated resources if English is not your first language

Access the guidance on the Women's Aid website.

Important update

As of 30 April 2020, any woman who needs to travel to find refuge from domestic violence can do so for free on any UK train.

Train companies will now cover the cost of train tickets for anyone travelling to refuge accommodation while coronavirus lockdown measures are in force, in a joint initiative with Women’s Aid. 
The temporary industry-wide scheme is a donation from the Rail Delivery Group and follows the successful launch of similar initiatives by Southeastern and GWR prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

Email railtorefuge@womensaid.org.uk to access. 

SafeLives guidance

SafeLives have produced a guide for victims and survivors of domestic abuse on staying safe during COVID-19.

Their message is:

You are a survivor, equipped with the knowledge, strength and tools that help keep you and your family safe every day. Below are some things you can think about if this is happening to you. Remember that you are an expert in your own situation and only take on advice that feels safe and relevant to you. It is important to try and think about the things that may change or make you more unsafe, especially thinking through now how you might get help if you need it. We also know that, like everyone, you could be worried about contracting the virus and the NHS website can give you advice around this. Always remember that the abuse you are experiencing is not your fault.

Download the guide here.

Greater Manchester support

Greater Manchester are working together to keep people safe, particularly those residents who are more at risk of domestic abuse, exploitation, and other crimes that affect the more vulnerable in our communities.

• The police will still respond to reports of crime in the home and support services are still available regardless of whether you want to speak to the police or not.
• If home isn’t always a safe place for you, there are some things you can do which may help keep you safer.
• If you need to access help and support, you can contact the police or support services online rather than over the phone.
• Maintain contact with friends and family via telephone and video calls, or social media, ensuring you and others are aware of any risks in the home, and you have a continued support network if needed.

How to report and access support:

• If you, or someone you know, is feeling anxious and unsafe in their home, visit gmvictims.org or call 0161 200 1950 for help and advice, including how to access local support services. You don’t have to report anything to the police if you don’t want to.
• If you, or someone you know, has come to harm or is at risk of coming to harm, you can report this to Greater Manchester Police via their Livechat facility at gmp.police.uk or call 101. If you, or someone else is in immediate danger always dial 999.
• If you are calling 999 from a mobile phone and you are unable to speak, you can use the Silent Solution by pressing 55 when prompted. Once you press 55, the operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.

LGBT domestic abuse support service

LGBT Foundation's Domestic Abuse program is still providing 1:1 support around domestic abuse. This will no longer be face to face but the case work sessions will take place either through telephone support or online platforms such as zoom. If it is not safe for you use these platforms then the case worker can communicate over email or text. LGBT Foundation are still able to provide safety measures to those who are at risk of domestic abuse and these can be posted to your home.

Visit the LGBT Foundation website.

A joint statement has been issued by LGBT+ domestic abuse providers please follow the link for details. https://bit.ly/3dOHS6E 

Advice and guidance for friends and family: 

• For friends and/or family who are worried that the LGBT+ person they know is being victimised by their partner; 
• For friends and/or family who are worried that the LGBT+ person they know is using violent/abusive behaviour towards their partner; 

This guidance is also useful for professionals and helpline operators who are receiving calls from friends/family who are LGBT+ either because they are being victimised by, or using violent/abusive behaviour towards their partner.

Home Office - #YouAreNotAlone

The Home Office has launched a domestic abuse campaign. The employer pack here aims to enable employers to reassure staff that the household isolation instructions do not apply to those escaping domestic abuse and that support remains available to victims of domestic abuse. The pack includes draft information for staff communications and a link to download the campaign assets from the portal.