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/
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/
In an emergency call 999, non emergency 101.
Victim Support
As of the 1st May Victim Support began a 1 year IDSVA contact responding to high risk cases (14+ on Dash RIC)
The service is providing support, practical help and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse who are at high risk of harm, and for victims of sexual abuse. This approach is delivering a more consistent, joined-up service that will avoid victims slipping through the net and prevent duplication and confusion for victims.
The service includes 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.
REFERRAL/CONTACT DETAILS:
Sexual abuse cases requiring Independent Sexual Violence Advisor support can continue to be referred to the service by emailing:
cumbria.isva@victimsupport.cjsm.net
The telephone number for the service (during office hours) is 0300 303 3797 (national number so will need to ask for Cumbria).
The new service also includes a support line which is available 24 hours a day – the telephone number is 0808 16 89 111
Regarding other risk levels of domestic abuse cases they will be offered support through the Victim Support main service. They should be referred by emailing:
mediumpvp@victimsupport.cjsm.net
Professionals should complete the DASH risk assessment before referring in any Domestic Abuse cases.
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.uk . Churches Together DV Champions, Rev Eleanor Hancock: 01228 527106, Rosemary Campbell: 07778220810
Safety Net Tel: 01228 515859 http://safetynetuk.org/
West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support Tel 01900 67167
http://www.freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk/
Birchall Trust Tel: 01229 820828 http://www.birchalltrust.org.uk/
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/
Legal support
You can seek advice from a solicitor or the Citizens Advise Bureau about your legal rights
www.citizensadvice.org.uk tel 0300 3300650
National helplines
Womens Aid 24hr helpline 0808 2000247 www.womensaid.org.uk
Childline 0800 1111 www.childline.org.net
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline (Broken Rainbow) 0800 999 5428 www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/
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.net
Video on Surviving Abuse