At this time of school closure and social isolation, all families will become under greater strain as we try to adapt to a new way of living, largely confined to our own houses for very long periods of time.  This can cause stress, anxiety and a feeling that we are 'on the edge' as time goes by.  If your family is feeling this, please read on.  The following is a message to be shared with school communities from Liverpool City Council in regard to domestic violence support.  If you are having difficulties, please speak up, don't suffer in silence, and get help...

Many residents will be following the local and national advice around household isolation and social distancing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 This advice is in place to limit the spread of the virus and keep as many people as safe and well as possible.

 We know that there are vulnerable people in our communities who will be more concerned than others about the prospect of staying at home for a number of reasons, including those who have been the victims of domestic abuse such as violence or coercive and controlling behaviour.

 While all public services are adapting to new ways of working during this pandemic, our message to anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse is clear: You are not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence – we will still be here for you, no matter what.

 Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, Local Authorities and providers of domestic abuse support across Merseyside will continue working together to maintain essential services and contacts for anyone affected by domestic abuse during the weeks and months to come.

 Support will still be available by telephone, text message or online services.

 Who to contact:

 If you, your child or anyone in the family are at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently, CALL 999

 If you are a Liverpool resident and are experiencing domestic abuse or believe someone you know is please contact support services via:

 www.victimcaremerseyside.org  (directory of services)

 https://ehd.liverpool.gov.uk/kb5/liverpool/fsd/home.page (Liverpool early help directory)

or call

 Worst Kept Secret Helpline:  0800 028 3398

 Further support can also be found at these national agencies:

 Women’s Aid | womensaid.org.uk | https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/

National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

Refuge (includes information for men) | refuge.org.uk | 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)

The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327

 National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428

Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123’

  Thanks for your support to share this information.