If you are experiencing abuse

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What to do if you're experiencing abuse

Domestic Abuse is not a fact of life. Whether your partner, ex-partner or another family member assults you, threatens you, isolates or humiliates you, you can get help and support from services in Kingston specifically designed for you.

Remember: If you are in danger, call 999 immediately.

Guidance on escaping domestic abuse is available in the 'Three steps to escaping domestic violence' leaflet. The leaflet has been put together by the Home Office in partnership with Southall Black Sisters who offer specialist advice, information and counselling in several community languages. The leaflet covers advice on the three steps to escaping violence and abuse:

1. Report the violence
2. Take action to escape the violence
3. Keep safe from the violence

The leaflet is available on the Home Office website in 13 languages:  English, Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Pashto, Punjabi, Somali, Turkish, Urdu, Welsh:

Both locally and nationally there are services which exist to help you to get free from violence. These services are here to help you to be safe, and to feel safe. At the bottom of this page are all the contact details for the main national helplines and charities, some of which are available 24 hours a day. Also included are their web addresses so you can take a look online and see what help they can offer you.

Closer to home, we have Victim Support in Kingston. Their Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) is on hand to help you make safety plans and work out what is the best next step for you.

To speak to someone:

• Call Victim Support Kingston - 020 8547 3202 (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday)
• Outside of these hours - call the free 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247
• In an emergency dial 999

You have the right to live free from pain, fear, intimidation and blame. Today might be the day to start.

The One Stop Shop is a walk-in service (no appointment necessary), where Domestic Violence professionals are on hand to help you. Services available at the One Stop Shop include a solicitor providing free legal advice for housing issues and injunctions. There are also support services in attendance, such as Victim Support and Hestia. Other services available at the One Stop Shop are: Citizens Advice Bureau, Kingston Community Safety Unit, Addiction drug and alcohol service and the Kingston Health Visiting Service.

The One Stop Shop is every Monday morning (except bank holidays) from 9.30am-12.30pm at The Baptist Church, Union Street, Kingston, KT1 1RP.

For more information about the One Stop Shop, please call 07917 271 549 or just drop by one Monday morning.

To speak to someone about refuge accommodation, or to speak to someone outside of work hours, call the Free 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

In the case of an emergency, always call 999.

A supportive group for female survivors of domestic abuse living in Kingston.

The Butterfly Project aims to provide a safe space for women who currently experience domestic abuse, or who have previously experienced domestic abuse, to support each other and find time for themselves. The sessions range from meditation and relaxation to art therapy and they welcome suggestions from attendees on what to do next.

• The group meets every Thursday at 9.30am - 11.30am
• Childcare is available for 0-5 year olds by fully qualified children's workers
• The location is kept confidential for safety reasons

For more information please call the Hestia Floating Support Team on 0208 786 2128.

Useful Resources:

The BBC has information, help and support for anyone affected by domestic violence:

Women's Aid and Refuge are two key national charities working to end domestic violence. They support a network of over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the UK.

The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse. They welcome calls from all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. Call them on freephone number 0808 801 0327 - free from landlines and mobile phones. The service is open: Monday-Friday 10am-1pm and 2pm - 5pm.

Women's Aid have created a space to help children and young people understand domestic abuse and how to take positive action if it's happening to them.

For a great space for children to access support and message boards about domestic violence visit Childline.

For services available to children and young people in Kingston please see the Young Livin' site: