This White Ribbon Day (25 November 2020), Hampshire County Council is reminding anyone in need of help from domestic abuse that support is readily available, and services remain open to all.
Each year on White Ribbon Day, thousands of people stand up, speak out and say ‘no’ to violence against women. Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Public Health, Councillor Judith Grajewski explained, “More than ever this year, with the additional pressures from COVID-19 and national restrictions, men and women at risk from domestic abuse have felt vulnerable and frightened as the pandemic’s upheavals have increased their isolation. Our services have experienced a significant rise in reports of violence, harassment, and abuse. Throughout the pandemic and periods of lockdown, our phonelines and refuges have never stopped operating, ensuring families and individuals can access the help they need.“
“Domestic abuse is never okay, and if anyone is experiencing this and needs a safe place to stay or is struggling to manage their emotions or behaviour, I would urge them to please get in touch because help and support is available for all members of the family. If it is not possible to talk on the phone, people can use ‘instant messenger’ to make contact.”
Services in Hampshire welcome people of any gender or sexuality recognising that anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse.
The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service helpline is on 03300 165 112 and is staffed between 9.30am and 8pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, a voicemail provides alternative numbers to call. There are also instant messenger chats available to anyone who cannot talk out loud – visit the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service pages for further information at https://www.hants.gov.uk/domesticabuse.
Anyone in immediate danger, or who knows someone who is, should call 999 and ask for the Police. In an emergency, if you are unable to speak, dialling 999 and then entering 55 will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to talk. Even during the strictest lockdowns, anyone suffering from domestic abuse can leave their home to seek help.
This White Ribbon Day, and over the following 16 days of action against domestic abuse, the County Council will be using social media to reach out to anyone who could be at risk, across Hampshire.
Look out for posts with the hashtags #noexcuseforabuse #youarenotalone #stopdomesticabuse #hamptontrust #recogniseitseekhelp #hampshiredomesticabuseservice #16daysofaction.
