DOMESTIC abuse – its impact upon victims and survivors, and local people’s understanding of what the term means – is being assessed in a major new survey across North East Lincolnshire.
Open now until Monday 15 May, there are three separate confidential questionnaires open on North East Lincolnshire Council’s website – for those affected by such abuse, those who work with survivors/victims and their families, and wider residents of the borough.
It is hoped that the results will help to better understand the serious and often complex issues behind domestic abuse in North East Lincolnshire, thereby helping to shape support and services aimed at reducing it.
The Council has joined forces with SafeLives to carry out the work – the UK-wide charity is dedicated to ending domestic abuse and transforming the work of organisations in supporting those affected.
A SafeLives spokesperson said: “We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well.”
Explaining how important it was to delve into peoples’ experiences in individual areas of the UK, the spokesperson added: “To make sure that the response reflects the needs of those who have experienced abuse, we want to hear from people.
“It can affect anyone regardless of race, age, gender, or sexuality. Domestic abuse is the physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or financial abuse of one person by a partner, ex-partner or family member. It arises from the misuse of power and control by one person over another. It is rarely a one-off event but tends to escalate in frequency and severity over time. This survey will ask people about domestic abuse and their experiences.”
The surveys, open to over 18s, take less than 15 minutes to complete and are confidential. All who complete one are entered into a £50 voucher prize draw.
The three surveys for survivors, organisations and the public are under the section headed ‘Domestic Abuse and Harmful Behaviours Survey’ at Have your say | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk)
Help is available now:
- In an emergency, always call the police 999 (emergency) 101 (non-emergency);
- 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline – 0808 2000 247;
- If domestic abuse is affecting you or someone you know, you can contact your local Women’s Aid (who support individuals of all genders, abilities and sexual identified) if it is safe to do so: Telephone: (01472) 575757 Website: https://www.womensaidnel.org/
- If you have been affected by sexual violence, you can contact The Blue Door Domestic and Sexual Abuse Service. They provide a variety of advocacy, outreach workers, groups and programmes. Telephone: 0800 197 4787;
- Men’s Advice Line (for male domestic abuse victims) Monday -Friday 9am-5pm on freephone 0808 801 0327 or visit www.mensadviceline.org.uk for more information;
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline Call 0800 999 5428 or email [email protected];
- Sign Health domestic abuse service (previously known as DeafHope) is a unique, Deaf-led service for Deaf people who have or are experiencing domestic abuse signhealth.org.uk/with-deaf-people/domestic-abuse/
- Karma Nirvana UK Helpline for ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriage: 0800 5999 247;
- Victim Support National 24-hour Supportline: 0808 1689 111
- For online support for domestic abuse victims go to https://chat.womensaid.org.uk
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