Domestic abuse
Help for victims of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse accounts for around one-quarter of all violent crime in Surrey Heath. A major priority for the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership is to increase the numbers of people coming forward to seek help and support for domestic related incidents, and to reduce the number of repeat victims. The Partnership contributes an annual grant towards funding an outreach worker for Surrey Heath, and towards the running of the Sanctuary Scheme.
Outreach Service
Your Sanctuary Surrey has employed an outreach worker for Surrey Heath since September 2003, offering practical help and emotional support, as well as advice about housing rights, the legal system, relationships and separation, safety planning and support for children. There are currently 18 fully trained and operational volunteers running the out-of-hours helpline. The team received 2,063 calls during 2007/08, compared with 1,915 calls between April 2006 and March 2007.
The outreach team offers a multi-agency response through joint working with local police, social services, health and other statutory and voluntary agencies where appropriate. This includes referral to the Sanctuary Scheme via Surrey Heath Borough Council. Outreach users have also benefited from parenting courses and self-esteem courses with crèche facilities. Informal support groups are also offered. The team supports all victims/survivors of domestic abuse regardless of age, race or gender.
To talk to someone about domestic abuse, ring Your Sanctuary's 24-hour helpline on 01483 776822. You can also visit www.yoursanctuary.org.uk Opens in a new window
Download the Your Sanctuary's Survivors Handbook in other languages HERE Opens in a new window
Useful numbers
- Childline 0800 1111 - www.childline.org.uk Opens in a new window
- Frimley Park Hospital non-emergency 01276 604604
- Mankind (Surrey Lifeline Project) 01276 469225 - www.mankind.org.uk Opens in a new window
- National Domestic Violence 24-hour Helpline 0808 2000 247
- North West Surrey Social Services 0845 6009009
- North West Surrey Victim Support 01483 770457
- NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000 - www.samaritans.org Opens in a new window
- Relateline 0845 130 4010 -
- Samaritans 08457 909090 - Samaritans Opens in a new window
- Shelter 01293 419255 - www.shelter.org.uk Opens in a new window
- Shelterline 24-hour Helpline 0808 800 4444
- Surreywide Domestic Abuse Helpline 01483 776822
- Surrey Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service 01276 62566 - www.sadas.org.uk Opens in a new window
- Surrey Police non-emergency 0845 125 2222 - www.surrey.police.uk Opens in a new window
- Surrey Women's Aid 01483 776822 - www.surreywomensaid.org.uk Opens in a new window
- Victim Support National Helpline0845 3030 900 - www.victimsupport.org.uk Opens in a new window
In an emergency call 999
For a copy of the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership's leaflet, Live Without Fear, telephone 01276 707359 or email community.safety@surreyheath.gov.uk. Alternatively, download a PDF copy from this site under 'Crime Prevention Advice'.