If you, or someone you know, has been affected by any of the issues raised in ESCAPED ALONE and/or WHAT IF IF ONLY, help and support is available.
There is a red ‘Exit site’ button in the bottom right hand corner for you to immediately leave this page.
This aftercare page has been created to provide more information about organisations that offer advice and support on domestic abuse, climate anxiety, and mental health.
If you are in immediate danger, you should dial 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak and are on a mobile, dial 55 to have your call transferred to the police.
For people with hearing loss or difficulty with speech, you can register with the EmergencySMS service by texting ‘register’ to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse
These organisations and resources might be able to offer you support:
Women’s Aid Directory
Contains up to date information about domestic abuse support services across the UK. It is regularly updated by the services listed so you’ll be able to find the right local support, when you need it most.
Refuge
The largest UK Domestic Abuse Organisation for women.
Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
TLC Talk, Listen, Change
An emotional wellbeing charity taking an integrated approach to supporting you.
Saheli
Saheli provides support and refuge from domestic abuse to women from Black, Asian and minority communities and their children, to improve social inclusion, build confidence and skills, achieve emotional and practical well-being, and enable them to lead independent lives.
Galop
Galop works with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence in the UK.
ManKind Initiative
Charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse through a helpline, directory of local services and general information on the website.
Bright Sky App
Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app, launched in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to those concerned that someone they know is experiencing domestic abuse. The app is also designed to be used by specialist and non-specialist practitioners and other employers, and for anyone looking for information about issues around domestic abuse such as online safety, stalking and harassment and sexual consent.
areyouok.co.uk/directory/bright-sky-app
Respect Phoneline
Offering help for domestic abuse perpetrators who want to change. They give confidential advice and support to help people stop being abusive.
Freephone Monday-Friday 10am-5pm: 0808 802 4040
End The Fear
Providing support to people who know someone who may be being abused.
Domestic Abuse & Employers
EVERYONE can look out for the signs of Domestic Abuse.
In 2021, Business In the Community and Public Health England published Domestic Abuse: A Toolkit for Employers, to empower organisations with the knowledge to support colleagues and contribute to tackling domestic abuse.
You can view and download the entire toolkit via the Business In the Community website
Within this toolkit, they recommended the four “R’s” approach:
1. Recognise
Recognise the problem. Enable managers and employees to understand that domestic abuse is a workplace issue that everyone can take part in tackling.
Physical Signs:
– Bruises
– Black Eyes
– Covering up with clothes or long sleeves etc.
– Changes in demeanour (looking down, fed up or despondent)
– Wearing excessive amounts of makeup
Psychological Signs:
– Withdrawn
– Quiet
– Upset
– Tearful
– Irritable
– Anxious
– Depressed
– Distracted
– Aggressive
Other Signs:
– Partners coming into or being around the workplace
– Partners exerting unusual amounts of control
– Partners attempting to isolate the person from colleagues or family
2. Respond
Implement policies and processes that enable a supportive workplace which will respond appropriately to disclosure. The appointed person (Domestic Abuse Ambassador) opens discussions with the individual concerned.
Possible Outcomes:
– They may not want to discuss.
– They may not want to take action.
– They may only want to talk to someone right now, and might not want to take action immediately.
Remember to be sympathetic and compassionate with the individual; every case of domestic abuse is different. Leaving may not be an option for this person.
Implement Self Actions:
– What can they do?
– What do they want to do?
How You Can Support:
– Reasonable Adjustments
– Flexible time
– Changes in working hours
– Changes in workload
– Time off to make/attend appointments (childcare/housing/counselling)
– Take the situation into account with regards to absence/conduct/potential actions i.e. Disciplinary Procedures
3. Refer
Provide access to internal confidential support and signpost appropriately to external organisations who can help employees that disclose abuse. There is a list of potential organisations you could approach on page 2 of this aftercare booklet.
Ultimately if you believe someone is in danger then you as an employer have a duty of care; the police may be your only option.
4. Record
If an employee discloses abuse, it is important to record the details of what is said as accurately as possible. This could be done by minuting meetings or taking photographs. Should the abuse become subject to criminal proceedings, this is an exhibit and should be given to the police.
Climate/Eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety describes the negative feelings – including stress, fear, anger and grief – many of us have about climate breakdown, nature loss and the future of our planet. Find out more:
Mental Health support
When you’re experiencing a mental health problem, supportive and reliable information can change your life.
Mind empowers people to understand their mental health and the choices available to them through:
- Infoline, which offers confidential help for the price of a local call
- Legal Line, which offers information on mental health law
- Mind’s award-winning information, available online and in print
Visit the link below for more information.