During the COVID-19 Pandemic many people are spending the majority of their time at home. Unfortunately this may put people with abusive partners and their children at increased risk of domestic abuse.
If you are a victim of abuse or you are a concerned neighbour worried that domestic violence may be taking place here’s how to summon help.
If you are worried about a neighbour
If you think it is an emergency, phone 999.
If it is not an emergency you can report direct to the police at https://www.reportingcrime.uk/ or by phoning 101.
You can report anonymously. Contact Crimestoppers online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or phone 0800 555111. Your neighbour will not know who has reported.
To find out more about domestic abuse go to https://sheffielddact.org.uk/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse/
If you need help in an emergency
Victims of abuse who need immediate help should telephone 999 and ask for the police. If you don’t feel you can talk to the police because the abuser is still in the home then you can use the ‘silent solution’. Press 55 when prompted by the operator and you will be put through to the police. Cough or make a noise (hit keys against the hand set) to answer questions when asked. This will help the police to understand the help you need.
Victims of domestic abuse in South Yorkshire can also report incidents to South Yorkshire Police via a new dedicated online portal ( monitored 24/7 ).The portal, which went live on Monday 20 April, is available to victims of domestic abuse who may be finding it difficult to report incidents over the phone. You can quickly access the portal via your smartphone, tablet or laptop, and give information about what’s happening to you. View details
What domestic abuse support services are there for people in Sheffield?
Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) is a specialist domestic abuse support service. Contact them by…
- Telephoning the Sheffield helpline on 0808 808 2241 (Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturdays 9am to 5pm)
- Talk to them by webchat at https://www.idas.org.uk/ between 3pm-6pm each day.
IDAS advisors can answer questions from victims or their family or friends, provide safety advice, risk assess and offer longer term support. To find out more go to https://www.idas.org.uk/
A full list of support services available in Sheffield, including how to access a refuge, can be found at https://sheffielddact.org.uk/domestic-abuse/get-help/ .
Further details are in Sheffield City Council’s article How to help your neighbour if you overhear violent domestic abuse .
Keep up to date during the Coronavirus outbreak with the Disability Sheffield Coronavirus Information and Support page.
