Domestic abuse support

Both women and men can be victims of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is physical, sexual, psychological or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include forced marriage and so-called ‘honour crimes’.

If you experiencing domestic abuse, this section details resources which may help you.

Lichfield Community Safety Partnership is committed to tackling domestic abuse by raising awareness, sharing and promoting good practice and supporting services which provide assistance to victims and their families. 

Domestic Abuse and COVID-19

The stay at home order does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse. 

The current situation will present new risks for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Home may not be the safest place for some and external factors such as stress and financial pressures can create circumstances where victims are put at further risk. 

If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you are not able to speak, and are calling from a mobile number, press 55 and you will be transferred to a police call handler. The call handler will attempt to communicate with you by asking simple ‘yes’ and ‘no’ type questions. If you are not able to answer please follow their instructions. If you are calling from a landline the call will still be forwarded to a police call handler even if you do not speak. If you put the phone down the call will still stay connected for 45 seconds so you can pick up the phone again. When calls are made from landlines information about the location will be made available to the police.

Where to seek help?

In an emergency situation you should always attempt to call 999.

In non-emergency cases and for general advice, please call 101. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use the textphone service on 18001 101.

There are also a range of services available to provide support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse. These services are still operating, even with the COVID-19 restrictions. 

New Era provides free and confidential round-the-clock advice and support for anyone in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent affected by domestic abuse - regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender or location. The 24-hour confidential helpline for victims is: 0300 303 3778 and there’s a live chat facility via the New Era website. The confidential helpline for perpetrators is 01785 601 690.

The Pathway Project offers help, advice and practical support to people who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic abuse. The Pathway Project, which is a registered charity, has a 24-hour helpline which can be contacted on 01543 676 800. More help and information is also available, including an online chat facility, through the Pathway Project website.

For more information you can also visit the Staffordshire Police website.