• An estimated 2.3 million adults aged 16-74 experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year ending March 2020, nearly 70% of whom were women.
• It is a crime that can affect anyone in society and is not confined to any particular background, culture or age group.
• Domestic abuse is used as a means of control, it is not due to troubles controlling anger or the use of alcohol or other drugs.
• There are a wide range of reasons a person experiencing domestic abuse may not feel able to leave their relationship, and this process can take time.
• Risk to a person experiencing domestic abuse can increase as they leave the relationship, it’s important that specialist support is accessed, support services highlighted below.

Support available:

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, support and additional information in relation to domestic violence and abuse is available through the following organisations:

Refuge:

• www.refuge.org.uk
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Women’s Aid:

• www.womensaid.org.uk

Mankind Initiative:

• www.mankind.org.uk
• 01823 334244

Respect Men’s advice line:

• www.mensadviceline.org.uk
• 0808 8010327

Respect phoneline for people harming their partners/families:

• www.respectphoneline.org.uk
• 0808 8024040

Galop LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline:

• www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse
• 0800 999 5428

If you have a concern regarding a pupil, contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads - Mrs Benarous, Mrs Davies, Mrs Dunkley, Miss Hall, Mrs Rollings. The following services are also available to provide support:

Childline: (A service that does not appear on the phone bill that a child can call for support if they have concerns with a range of issues, including abuse.):

• www.childline.org.uk
• 0800 1111

Operation Encompass:

• www.operationencompass.org (This service provides information about domestic abuse and also offers online training for Key Adults/Designated Safeguarding leads)
• Teacher’s helpline: 0204 513 9990 (Support available for teachers supporting a child experiencing domestic abuse)