Labour calls for more Help for those suffering from Domestic Abuse

“We welcome the fact that the Home Secretary has taken some steps,” said Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary (right). He was commenting after the government had started a publicity campaign and announced an additional £2m to bolster domestic abuse helplines.

“However, these government measures do not go anywhere near far enough,” he continued. He called for part of the funding for charities, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to be ring-fenced for domestic violence, as well as for the provision of protective equipment for frontline staff who are supporting the victims.

Since then, the government has announced a fund of £76m to support the “most vulnerable” – a most welcome move, when Refuge, the UK’s largest charity supporting victims, reported yesterday an increase of around 50% in the calls to its helplines.

Where to Find Help

There is a great deal of information on the Refuge website or you can phone the National Domestic Abuse Helpline run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247.

However, in an emergency, you should phone 999. If you cannot speak, perhaps because the abuser is within earshot, remain silent and the call will be transferred to the police. Listen carefully to what is said, so that the police can assess what the situation is. If you are calling from a mobile you will be asked to press 55 to confirm that you need police help.

“I also thoroughly recommend the advice offered by Rachel Williams on Twitter @Dontlookback198,” adds Julie Baugh, the constituency party’s Women’s Officer. “She not only campaigns tirelessly but also will talk to people in abusive situations and try to find them help.”

There are some other helplines for specific situations here: