Ealing Council is continuing to offer full support, help and advice to any residents suffering domestic abuse.
 
With government instructions to stay at home it is clearly going to be a very difficult time for those facing abuse from people in the same household.
 
Councillor Joanna Camadoo-Rothwell, cabinet member for community safety and inclusion, said: “This is understandably a worrying time for those trapped inside with their abuser, particularly if their behaviour could be aggravated by the current Covid-19 self-isolation instructions. I would like to make clear that there continues to be a solution, with help still on hand.

“We have a committed workforce and dedicated local Domestic Abuse Services continuing to maintain and deliver a high level of support to those suffering domestic abuse, so if any resident feels they are in an unsafe situation please do not hesitate to reach out for help.”

There are many types of domestic abuse, including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. It can be controlling, coercive, threatening or violent.
 
If you are afraid of someone with whom you have had, or are having, a close personal relationship, whether they live with you or not, you are entitled to support and information to help you make choices about your safety.

Get help or advice

Visit the council’s domestic abuse help page for full information on help groups, partner organisations and support lines.

Ealing’s local domestic abuse partner services include:

• Advance – provides a service to both male and female victims / survivors of domestic abuse
• Southall Black Sisters – provides a specialist service to women from BME communities
• The Eastern European Service – provides a specialist service to female  victims from Eastern European Communities
• The Women’s Wellness Zone – provides a service for women with complex needs, including domestic abuse.

PLEASE NOTE: All services are currently operating and receiving referrals however staff are working from home and client contact is by phone, email or other virtual methods.

Home Office Guidance
The Home Office has also released guidance for those experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse.

This guidance includes numbers that individuals can contact, including the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, Women’s Aid, Med’s Advice Line, Galop, Hestia and Chayn. Read the guidance here.