Sources of Support

It's never easy to come to terms with the fact that you may be experiencing domestic violence and abuse.  Cumbria has a countywide domestic abuse service (Let go) who are available to help and advise on medium and high risk cases.  If they can’t support you themselves they will be able to signpost you to someone who can.

Coercion and Control

The Serious Crime Act 2015 creates a new offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or familial relationships (section 76).  This website is for social workers and other health and social care practitioners to develop their knowledge and skills in working with situations of coercive control (Research in Practice for Adults and Women's Aid).  This resource was commissioned by the Chief Social Worker's Office at the Dept of Health. http://coercivecontrol.ripfa.org.uk/this external link will open in a new window

Cumbria Constabulary 

The police primary role is to prevent and detect crime; their overriding concern is to ensure the safety of the victim and to reduce the risk of further violence to anyone who may be present. The police will listen; provide help and immediate assistance if required.  http://www.cumbria.police.uk/this external link will open in a new window

In an emergency call 999, non emergency 101.

Victim Support 

Victim Support provides an integrated support service for victims of crime and abuse. This includes a range of services, such as risk assessment and safety planning emotional support, practical help with issues ranging from rehousing and accessing medical care to assistance with completing forms, advocacy and help to understand and navigate the criminal justice system. 

REFERRAL DETAILS: 

The service can be contacted on 0300 3030157 during office hours (8am-6pm Monday-Friday) and the Supportline is available for service users 24/7 on 0808 1689111

For victims of domestic abuse who are at high risk of harm or homicide (whether or not they have reported to the police), support is provided by Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisors. Referrals can be made by emailing highpvp@victimsupport.cjsm.net.  A completed DASH risk assessment must be provided. 

For victims of domestic abuse who are at medium risk (whether or not they have reported to the police), support is provided by Independent Victim Advocates who are trained to support people experiencing domestic abuse. Referrals can be made by emailing mediumpvp@victimsupport.cjsm.net.  A completed DASH risk assessment must be provided. 

For victims of domestic abuse who are assessed as being at standard risk, the service can provide support for those who have reported crimes to the police and this is provided by Independent Victim Advocates. Referrals can be made by emailing Vcu.cumbria@victimsupport.cjsm.net. A completed DASH risk assessment must be provided. 

The service also includes support for victims of rape and sexual assault, including specialist support for children and young people who are victims of serious sexual assaults. The service works as part of the network of services provided through The Bridgeway for sexual assault victims. Sexual abuse cases requiring Independent Sexual Violence Advisor support can be referred to the service by emailing: cumbria.isva@victimsupport.cjsm.net

If you are unsure about which email to submit a referral to, contact the service or email: Vcu.cumbria@victimsupport.cjsm.net or CumbriaVARC@victimsupport.org.uk (not secure) 

Third Sector Agencies 

There are also statutory and voluntary sector agencies in Cumbria who can provide counselling and therapeutic support. For details of the agencies who can offer support and links to their websites please go to the Third Sector Partner agencies section.

Churches Together in Cumbria

Christian communities working in partnership to tackle domestic violence www.churchestogethercumbria.co.ukthis external link will open in a new window . Churches Together DV Champions, Rev Eleanor Hancock: 01228 527106, Rosemary Campbell: 07778220810

Safety Net   Tel: 01228 515859     http://safetynetuk.org/this external link will open in a new window

West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support  Tel 01900 67167 

http://www.freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk/this external link will open in a new window

Birchall Trust   Tel:  01229 820828  http://www.birchalltrust.org.uk/this external link will open in a new window

NSPCC Tel: 0808 800 5000  https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect/domestic-abuse/

Victim Support Tel: 0300 303 0157 https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/north-west/cumbria

Barnardos Child Protection Helpline:  0808 800 5000  https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/our_work/domestic_violence.htm

Bridgeway Centre Tel: 0808 118 6432  http://www.thebridgeway.org.uk/about-us/this external link will open in a new window

Legal support

You can seek advice from a solicitor or the Citizens Advise Bureau about your legal rights
www.citizensadvice.org.ukthis external link will open in a new window tel 0300 3300650

National helplines

Womens Aid 24hr helpline 0808 2000247 www.womensaid.org.ukthis external link will open in a new window

Childline 0800 1111 www.childline.org.netthis external link will open in a new window

National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline (Broken Rainbow) 0800 999 5428 www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/this external link will open in a new window

Men’s support services

Victim Support works with male victims of domestic abuse and there is also a national helpline. The Mens Advice Line 0808 16 89 111

Support for perpetrators

Respect (for perpetrators) 0808 802 4040 www.respect.uk.netthis external link will open in a new window

Video on Surviving Abusethis external link will open in a new window

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