Everyone has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Abuse can happen to people in all sections of society in any setting and is the violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by someone else. Abuse might be unintentional; the important factor is whether the adult at risk is harmed or not. It can be physical, sexual, psychological, financial. It can involve neglect, harassment, forced labour or self-neglect.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger please call 999 and ask for the police. Silent calls will work if you are not safe to speak – use the Silent Solution system and call 999 and then press 55 when prompted. If you can’t use a voice phone, you can register with the police text service – text: REGISTER to 999. Find out more: www.emergencysms.net
If you do not feel safe at home
Getting help and support for domestic violence
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it’s important to tell someone and remember you’re not alone and there is help and support available to you.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police – the police will continue to respond to emergency calls. If you suspect that your neighbours or others in your community are victims of domestic abuse, do report it to the police.
Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) is a county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families. Find out more about what they have to offer here.
If you’re worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women’s Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.
Information about the signs of domestic violence and abuse and how to access help and support for you or for someone you know is available here
Alternatively, take a look at the services listed below.
Abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults
In Gloucestershire there’s a statutory partnership – the Safeguarding Adults Board of all organisations working together to safeguard adults at risk in the county and they provide support to report, investigate and to stop abuse. Find out more here
Abuse and neglect of children
Find out what we are doing in Gloucestershire to protect children and improve their wellbeing by visiting the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children’s Board website which has information and guidance for professionals, parents and carers and young people.
The Home Office has launched a new campaign, ‘Something’s Not Right’, on Tuesday 17th November 2020 to help secondary school children in England who suffered a range of harms, such as sexual and physical abuse, during lockdown. The campaign’s brand, Something’s Not Right, centres on the insight that children who suffer different forms of abuse may not have the ability to define or describe their experience, but they know the emotions they feel and the sense that something is not right. The campaign will help children to understand what may be causing them to feel these emotions and signpost support. To read more about the campaign visit www.childline.org.uk/somethings-not-right
Sexual assault services
A sexual assault is a crime no matter who commits it or where it takes place; don’t be afraid to get help. Find out more about rape, sexual assault and the help that is available here
A sexual assault referral centre is a place you can find help and medical care, and where you will be taken seriously. The service is free and you don’t need a referral. Everything you talk about is confidential, and the service will not inform the police unless you tell them to. You can access the service 24 hours.
A sexual assault referral centre can arrange for you to have tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a medicine to reduce your chance of getting HIV and emergency contraception if you need them. They can also sometimes take samples soon after the assault that can be stored in case you want to report it to the police.
Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre
It is your decision if you want to tell the police or not. If you do, you will be supported by a specially trained police officer and a specially trained doctor. Other places that may help you are:
• your local sexual health clinic
• a hospital A&E department
• the police
• your GP
• young people’s service
You can also call the Rape Crisis freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999. The helpline is open 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year, providing support for female and male victims, partners, family and friends.
For more information, read about getting help after a sexual assault or read advice and information from Gloucestershire constabulary about reporting rape or sexual assault or getting support from Independent sexual violence advisers on your options here or take a look at alternative support services listed below.
FearFree is a local, registered charity and a commissioned service in Gloucestershire aimed at breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. They work with the perpetrator, supporting them through behaviour change. The service was formerly known as Splitz Support Services and...
Honour Thy Women is a Gloucestershire community outreach programme supporting women, and those who identify as women, over the age of 20 against Domestic Abuse. They offer judgment-free peer mentor support, creative & wellbeing workshops and resources to...
The Survivors Trust provides confidential information, advice and support for people who have experienced rape and sexual violence.
SurvivorsUK support men, boys, trans and nonbinary survivors of sexual violence. They offer one to one counselling, ISVA services, and an online helpline.
Stay Safe East provides specialist and holistic advocacy and support services to disabled people who are victims and survivors of domestic or sexual violence.
Southall Black Sisters specialise in domestic and gender related violence, including forced marriage and ‘honour-based’ abuse.
Safeline’s National Male Survivor Helpline is a dedicated service for men and boys in England and Wales affected by rape or sexual abuse and those that support them such as friends and family.
The helpline is a UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn.
Respect is a domestic abuse organisation which runs a confidential helpline for men and women who are harming their partners and families, as well as a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them.
Rape Crisis Centres provide specialist support and services to women and girls who have experienced sexual violence.
Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims of domestic abuse and those who are worried about friends or loved ones.
NAPAC offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
Mankind offer support to male victims of domestic abuse. Their helpline provides both emotional support and practical information.
The Male Survivors Alliance provides help and information to male victims/survivors or sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s (police) website provides a range of advice and resources on where to get help, how to report crimes and tips and advice.
The National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, advocacy and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims.
Stroud Women’s Refuge is a charity offering accommodation and support services to women and their children who have been affected by domestic abuse.
Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre provides support and advice and aims to increase understanding and recognition of sexual violence through education and public awareness. T
Specialist Wellbeing Support phoneline for health and care workers
National Debtline is a charity which provides free and independent debt advice over the phone and online as well as handy resources to help overcome financial pressures.
Women’s Aid offers information and support on domestic violence including live chat and forums.
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) provides support to victims as well as expert training and guidance to professionals.
The Hideout is a charity-supported website to help provide children and young people with information about domestic violence.
SafeLives is a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse.
Respect Men’s advice line is a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse offering nonjudgmental emotional support, practical advice and information.
Refuge is a national charity offering a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline for women and children.
NSPCC is a national charity working to prevent abuse, help rebuild children’s lives and support families.
Karma Nirvana is a UK human rights charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
HAVOCA (Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse) is an international charity run by adult survivors of child abuse.
SARC offers medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help and information to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted or been affected by it.
GDASS offers a variety of support programmes for women and men over 16 years old and families who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Gloucestershire Constabulary provide advice and information on Domestic Abuse, how to report it and links to partner support helplines at: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/
The Safeguarding Adults Board provides support to report, investigate and to stop abuse.
Anti-Bullying Alliance is a national charity comprising a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.
For information about services available, STI’s, contraception, HIV, pregnancy and sexual assault.
Sunflowers Suicide Support provides bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Sue Ryder is a charity which supports people living with a terminal illness, a neurological condition or who have lost a loved one.
SupportLine is a charity which provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue.
Samaritans is a charity providing non-judgemental listening support to anyone.
Mental Health Foundation Provides information and research on prevention and mental health
Childline is a national free, private and confidential service for children and young people under the age of 19 where you can talk about anything big or small with trained counsellors.
HAVOCA provides support, friendship and advice for any adult whose life has been affected by childhood abuse.
This charity helps reduce domestic violence through creating and delivering programmes on domestic abuse and promoting healthy relationships to schools and colleges.
A county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families.
Gloucestershire Constabulary provide advice and information on Domestic Abuse, how to report it and links to partner support helplines at: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/
FearFree is a local, registered charity and a commissioned service in Gloucestershire aimed at breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. They work with the perpetrator, supporting them through behaviour change. The service was formerly known as Splitz Support Services and...
Honour Thy Women is a Gloucestershire community outreach programme supporting women, and those who identify as women, over the age of 20 against Domestic Abuse. They offer judgment-free peer mentor support, creative & wellbeing workshops and resources to...
The Survivors Trust provides confidential information, advice and support for people who have experienced rape and sexual violence.
SurvivorsUK support men, boys, trans and nonbinary survivors of sexual violence. They offer one to one counselling, ISVA services, and an online helpline.
Stay Safe East provides specialist and holistic advocacy and support services to disabled people who are victims and survivors of domestic or sexual violence.
Southall Black Sisters specialise in domestic and gender related violence, including forced marriage and ‘honour-based’ abuse.
Safeline’s National Male Survivor Helpline is a dedicated service for men and boys in England and Wales affected by rape or sexual abuse and those that support them such as friends and family.
The helpline is a UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn.
Respect is a domestic abuse organisation which runs a confidential helpline for men and women who are harming their partners and families, as well as a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them.
Rape Crisis Centres provide specialist support and services to women and girls who have experienced sexual violence.
Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day to victims of domestic abuse and those who are worried about friends or loved ones.
NAPAC offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect.
Mankind offer support to male victims of domestic abuse. Their helpline provides both emotional support and practical information.
The Male Survivors Alliance provides help and information to male victims/survivors or sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation.
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s (police) website provides a range of advice and resources on where to get help, how to report crimes and tips and advice.
The National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, advocacy and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims.
Stroud Women’s Refuge is a charity offering accommodation and support services to women and their children who have been affected by domestic abuse.
Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre provides support and advice and aims to increase understanding and recognition of sexual violence through education and public awareness. T
Specialist Wellbeing Support phoneline for health and care workers
National Debtline is a charity which provides free and independent debt advice over the phone and online as well as handy resources to help overcome financial pressures.
Women’s Aid offers information and support on domestic violence including live chat and forums.
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) provides support to victims as well as expert training and guidance to professionals.
The Hideout is a charity-supported website to help provide children and young people with information about domestic violence.
SafeLives is a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse.
Respect Men’s advice line is a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse offering nonjudgmental emotional support, practical advice and information.
Refuge is a national charity offering a 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline for women and children.
NSPCC is a national charity working to prevent abuse, help rebuild children’s lives and support families.
Karma Nirvana is a UK human rights charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
HAVOCA (Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse) is an international charity run by adult survivors of child abuse.
SARC offers medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help and information to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted or been affected by it.
GDASS offers a variety of support programmes for women and men over 16 years old and families who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Gloucestershire Constabulary provide advice and information on Domestic Abuse, how to report it and links to partner support helplines at: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/
The Safeguarding Adults Board provides support to report, investigate and to stop abuse.
Anti-Bullying Alliance is a national charity comprising a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.
For information about services available, STI’s, contraception, HIV, pregnancy and sexual assault.
Sunflowers Suicide Support provides bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Sue Ryder is a charity which supports people living with a terminal illness, a neurological condition or who have lost a loved one.
SupportLine is a charity which provides a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue.
Samaritans is a charity providing non-judgemental listening support to anyone.
Mental Health Foundation Provides information and research on prevention and mental health
Childline is a national free, private and confidential service for children and young people under the age of 19 where you can talk about anything big or small with trained counsellors.
HAVOCA provides support, friendship and advice for any adult whose life has been affected by childhood abuse.
This charity helps reduce domestic violence through creating and delivering programmes on domestic abuse and promoting healthy relationships to schools and colleges.
A county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families.
Gloucestershire Constabulary provide advice and information on Domestic Abuse, how to report it and links to partner support helplines at: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/
It can be hard to know where to turn when we’re struggling with our mental health but support is available, from NHS and council-commissioned services to local and national charities. Many services are free, confidential, and you can access them yourself without a referral from a professional.
Find out what support is available to you.
There is a wide range of support for children, young people and families in the county.
More information about additional support that is available for older people locally and nationally.
Getting help with issues you're struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do
If you think you or your partner may be experiencing mental health difficulties, you can get expert help
The past year has been a particularly challenging time for everyone but whatever you’re worried about, please reach out for support – help is available
If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch to let us know what mental health support information would be useful to you at this time
