Organisations that can help
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline website provides guidance and support for potential victims, as well as those who are worried about friends and loved ones. They can also be called, for free and in confidence, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
The website also has a form through which victims can book a safe time for a call from the team.
Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid has provided additional advice specifically designed for the current coronavirus outbreak, including a live chat service. It is well documented that Women’s Aid volunteers have been given the facility to work from home to prevent too much disruption to the service they offer to victims and survivors of abuse.
Locally the Women’s Refuge have a response plan to COVID-19 and will be potentially be available to accommodate persons who have fled abuse in the short-term – capacity permitting. They will take referrals from Police and other agencies such as the Department of Health and Social Care, Probation and the like, but at this time, will unfortunately be unable to accommodate direct self-referrals.
Men’s Advice Line
The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them. It can be contacted on 0808 8010 327 and emailed on info@mensadviceline.org.uk. They also offer a Webchat service at specific times on specific days. The opening hours are limited to weekdays however, and this should be borne in mind.
Galop – for members of the LGBTQ+ community
If you are a member of the LGBT+ community, Galop runs a specialist helpline on 0800 999 5428 or email help@galop.org.uk. Online referrals can also be made, however, the opening hours are limited to weekdays and again, this should be borne in mind.
Chayn
Chayn provides online help and resources in a number of languages, ranging from identifying manipulative situations and how friends can support those being abused. Their “get help” tab offers some helpful and thought provoking self-help options and guidance.
Support if you are worried about hurting someone
If you are worried about hurting the ones you love whilst staying at home, call the Respect Phoneline for support and help to manage your behaviour, 0808 8024040. This website follows a similar format to the Men’s Advice Line and can be emailed at info@respectphoneline.org.uk. It offers information about spotting the signs of offending and minimising the risk you pose to others.
Economic abuse
If you are concerned about how COVID-19 may affect your finances and leave you vulnerable to economic abuse, please see the guidance on budgeting, available in the form of a free booklet and provided by the Isle of Man Government Debt Counselling Service. This can be found online at www.gov.im/media/1359928/complete-debt-booklet.pdf
The Debt Counselling Service, run by the IOM Government’s Office of Fair Trading will remain open and provide a service during this lockdown period. You can contact the Debt Counselling Service by emailing debt@gov.im, by calling (01624) 686500 or through their website www.gov.im/oft/money
Sexual & Domestic Violence
Rape Crisis UK – https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
The Survivors Trust https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org/
Male Survivors Partnership – https://malesurvivor.co.uk/
