Domestic violence and abuse

If you or someone you know is in a violent or abusive relationship, help and support is available.

In an emergency always call 999. If it's not safe to talk or make a noise, you can still get help using the Silent Solution System.  You can contact the Police on their non-emergency number, 101 to get advice on how they can help you.

You can get confidential advice from a number of local and national organisations.

·  You First SIDAS the Somerset Domestic Abuse Support helpline

·  You Trust – A charity supporting vulnerable people

·  Mankind - Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence

·  Refuge - 24 hour Helpline supporting women, children & men experiencing domestic violence

·  National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) – Fast free emergency injunction service regardless of finance, race, gender or sexual orientation for domestic violence survivors

Visit the Gov.uk website for guidance on how to get help with domestic abuse. Guidance is available in a number of different languages.  

If you are a young person being mistreated at home, tell someone you can trust like a teacher or a friend or even their parents. You won’t get into trouble for telling someone. There is help available to deal with the situation you are in from the following organisations.  

·  Childline - Free help for young people on the telephone or online for a range of issues including home life, school, college & relationships.

·  Somerset Council Childrens Social Care– Free help and support for young people with health, education, housing, benefits or relationship issues.

·  Runaway helpline – Free help 24/7 for young people thinking or running or who have run away. 

·  Relate – Free help by telephone, online or webchat for relationship difficulties with a boyfriend, girlfriend or family. 

If you are in an abusive relationship and worried your teenager might experience it too, watch this video from Somerset County Council

Further information: 

Visit the Somerset Domestic Abuse Support website

See Somerset Council's #NoClosedDoors campaign