What should I do if someone contacts me for help or I am concerned about him or her?

Remember that we are all responsible for ensuring people do not live in fear. You need to signpost and/or provide advice and assistance when an individual approaches you for help, or you are concerned about their welfare. You may be the first or only person that a victim may have spoken to, so please respect this. It is important that you reassure people that they are not on their own, it is not their fault and there are a range of housing and support options available, so they can regain control of the situation and make a choice about their future.

If someone confides in you that they are experiencing abuse. You should….

• Be understanding
• Be supportive
• Let the person make their own decision
• Ask if they need medical help and if they want to report it to the Police
• Give them information on the help that is available including the 24-hour free phone helpline number
• You could always make a call to the 24-hour free phone helpline number on someone’s behalf to get more advice and information

You may need to ring 999 in an emergency, ring Worcestershire’s Free Phone 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 980 3331 for advice and information and the Worcestershire County Councils Children’s team if you are concerned about a child or children or want to gain advice. You will not regret ringing, but may regret not ringing or asking advice.

Related links:

• What can I do if I think someone may be experiencing domestic abuse?
• Recognising Domestic Abuse
• What are the housing & support options available in Worcestershire?
• Emergency Contacts
• National Phone Numbers and Website Links