Abuse
Abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or ability. It includes physical, emotional, sexual, and financial harm, as well as neglect.
Abuse is never the fault of the victim. With the right support and protection, people can recover, stay safe, and lead fulfilling lives.
There are a range of services and tools in the Merton area to help you or someone you know if you are experiencing, or at risk of, abuse. These include local safeguarding teams, helplines, and community organisations that provide guidance, support, and protection.
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If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If it is not safe to speak:
Dial 999.
Listen to the operator's questions.
If you can, cough, tap the handset, or make a noise.
When prompted, press 55.
This is known as the Silent Solution and lets the police know you need help but cannot speak safely. It works on mobile phones and can be particularly helpful in situations involving domestic abuse. If prompted, pressing 55 will transfer your call to the police. Do not dial "99955" as a single number; call 999 first and then press 55 when instructed. In an emergency, always call 999.
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The helpline is answered by fully trained female support workers and volunteers, who will answer your call in confidence. All calls to the domestic violence helpline are free from mobiles and landlines. The 24hr freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge) is available 7 days a week.
Telephone: 0808 2000 247
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
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They are a team of skilled professionals offering practical advice, information and emotional support to male victims of domestic violence, as well as to concerned friends and family and frontline workers.
Telephone: 0808 801 0327
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
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The confidential helpline is available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former wife or partner (including same-sex partner). Weekdays 10am to 4pm
Telephone: 01823 334244
Website: www.mankind.org.uk
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Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you.
Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.
Telephone: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk
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The referral & advice line advisers offer confidential, non-judgmental information and support. Our referral & advice line provides practical advice, emotional support and signposting to support survivors and professionals across London.
Telephone: 020 8317 8273
Website: www.gdva.org.uk
Email: info_gdva@h4w.co.uk
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The London LGBT Domestic Abuse Partnership (DAP) is a way for LGBT people who have experienced domestic abuse to get the maximum amount of help with a minimum amount of hassle.
The DAP is open to any LGBT person experiencing domestic violence who is living or working in London.
Telephone: 0207 704 2040
Website: www.lgbtdap.org.uk
Email: referrals@galop.org.uk
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Their mission is to reduce the risk of violence and aggression through campaigning, education and support. Their vision is a society in which people are safer – and feel safer – from violence and aggression; they want people to be able to live life to the full.
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
Website: www.nationalstalkinghelpline.org.uk