Help an adult or child experiencing domestic abuse
Call 999 or go to your local police station for immediate help if you or someone else is in danger or a crime is in progress. If you are unable to speak, 999 operators can still connect you to police. The operator will listen for background noises. Find out how to make silent 999 calls.
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How to recognise domestic abuse
As a friend or family member, you are likely to be the first person to notice someone is experiencing abuse. It is important to be aware of different ways domestic abuse can happen.
Help an adult experiencing domestic abuse
Support is available for anyone experiencing abuse from a partner, ex-partner or family member. Reaching out for help is not easy and support might not lead to a complete or immediate end to the abuse.
No one deserves to be abused. On average, it takes 7 attempts for a survivor of domestic abuse to leave an abusive partner.
If someone tells you that they are experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to listen, let them know that it is not their fault and support them to take the steps that they are ready for.
We commission support for those experiencing abuse, such as:
- advice and wellbeing support
- refuge, housing support and measures to make a survivor’s own home more secure
- lead workers and independent domestic violence advocates who can help you navigate options
- counselling and therapeutic support
It can be difficult to cope with someone you care about being abused or to know what to do. Our Domestic Abuse Hub, run by Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid, offers support to friends and family, as well as survivors.
To find out more about domestic abuse, local support and how you can help, contact:
- Telephone: 0808 800 0028
- Lines open: Every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Website: www.bswaid.org
- Webchat open: Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm
You can also read about the support available in Birmingham.
If you’re worried about a colleague
Our workplaces are not separate from our society, and work can be a huge part of our lives. If you are worried that a colleague may be experiencing domestic abuse, consider how you might be able to help.
For survivors of domestic abuse, simple accommodations at work can make a big difference. This might include:
- creating a safe, supportive, abuse-free workplace for all
- taking a strong stand against domestic abuse
- and enabling colleagues to come forward and seek support
Check your organisation’s policies and guidance on domestic abuse.
Help a child experiencing domestic abuse
If you’re worried about a child, contact the Children’s Advice and Support Service (CASS) at:
- Telephone: 0121 303 1888 (select option 2 then option 2)
- Line open: Monday to Thursday from 8:45am to 5:15pm and Friday from 8:45am to 4:15pm
- Emergency out of hours telephone: 0121 675 4806 (evenings or weekends)
- Website: www.birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk
Read more about how to help a child experiencing domestic abuse
Clare's Law: Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)
If you are worried that a friend or relative might be at risk from a current or ex-partner, you can make a DVDS application to the police to find out if the person has a known history of violent or abusive behaviour.
Page last updated: 20 December 2024
