Louise recently asked the NHM Community on “Louise nhm Smith” for advice for a local lady suffering domestic violence and in need of support.
The responses were heart-warming, and the offers of individual help were amazing to read. In the hopes that this information can help others who find themselves in a similar situation, this post has been put together.
Please note that we are not experts in Domestic Violence and have only tried to put together the information that the NHM Community provided us with, in the hope of helping others in this awful situation.
Thank you to all those who provided input and for showing true community and thank you to J who put this post together on NHM.
Immediate Assistance
Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. They offer a Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid & Refuge – 0808 2000 247. Their online services also include The Survivors Forum and The Hideout.
Refuge is a national charity providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence with a network of refuges across the country. They offer many services including child support workers and outreach services (for women who choose not to go into a refuge or leave their home). Their Freephone Helpline is in partnership with Women’s Aid above.
Domestic Abuse Support Hantsweb is a confidential help service for women, men, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse in Hampshire, available on the council website.
Victim Support, Hampshire and Isle of Wight is an independent charity funded by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police Commissioner.
Support and Information
The Survivor’s Handbook is an online guide on the Women’s Aid website providing practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, with simple guidance on every aspect of seeking support.
Further Support
Taking Steps is a local charity based project, founded by a lady called Gerrie Jordan, offering support for men and women who have experienced domestic abuse.
North Hants Domestic Violence project on Sarum Hill, 01256 816004.
Practical and Legal Advice
Basingstoke and Tadley Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, independent, impartial and confidential advice.
Assistance with Family Life
The Safe is a local charity offering practical, emotional and social support.
Home Start is a family support charity, with local offices helping families with young children deal with whatever life throws at them.
Counselling
There are many counselling services across North Hampshire, the above organisations should be able to put you in touch with those most relevant. There are also a few examples below:
Relate is a charity aimed at helping people make the most of their couple and family relationships, past, present or future. There is a fee involved, although there is also a free online Live Chat service.
Cedar Tree Counselling is a counselling service located in central Basingstoke, providing affordable, professional counselling for the whole community.
Top Tips
It’s worth considering clearing your browser history after researching your options.
If deciding to leave, do not be alone when breaking the news, or leave when they are out. Make sure there are people with you either way.
Reach out to your local community centre, there may be groups behind the scenes who may be able to offer support.
Are there any other comments you would add?
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I found the You Charity more helpful than Taking Steps. The You Charity offered one-to-one support AND offered practical advice on keeping safe and steps on how to get out (legal directions to take, do I qualify for financial support, ,etc.) My support worker was amazing – I went from broken nervous wreck to feeling I could get through, and I did. I was put in contact with them via Women’s Aid.
To anyone reading this – even if they never hit you, it can still be domestic abuse.
If there was a way to be completely anonymous, it might be helpful to others to share stories, and most of all the happy ending that you can get away.