Sadly Christmas is a particularly dangerous time for people living with an abusive partner. Domestic abuse tends to escalate over the festive period, even in “normal” years. This year, with perpetrators enabled by Covid-19 lockdowns, there has been an increase in coercive control, violence, and tragically, murders, at the hands of domestic abuse perpetrators.
For anyone afraid of a partner or family member the following helplines will be working over the Christmas season:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or webchat
Live Fear Free Helpline (Wales) 0808 80 10 800
Men’s Advice Line (for male victims) 0808 8010 327
If you think you might be hurting your partner, help is available from Respect Phone line: 0808 802 4040
In an emergency, call 999 (dial 55 if it is unsafe to speak)
Parishes can help by sharing this information on newsletters and websites, and offering their parish office as a place where victims/survivors can safely use the phone and internet to seek help. Sharing this information could help to save a life this Christmas.
