Domestic abuse doesn’t take a break for summer

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Domestic abuse doesn't take a break for summer

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The school summer break is a time for many families to spend long periods of time together, enjoying trips out, go on holiday and the occasional BBQ in the garden. However, for some families, it leaves them living in an unsafe environment at a greater risk of experiencing abuse.

Domestic abuse can take many forms

During the summer break, families can find themselves spending more time at home together and this can make it easier for a perpetrator to carry out abuse.

It is important to remember that domestic abuse isn't just physical harm. Domestic abuse has many forms and includes controlling, coercive (behaviour such as threats, humiliation and intimidation), threatening or violent behaviour by a partner, ex-partner, family member or carer.

Know the signs of domestic abuse and seek help - for yourself or if you know someone who is. This could include:

• Unexplained jealousy of other relationships with friends or family

• Attempts to control yours or others finances

• Frequently checking on where you are and what you are doing

• Monitoring your mobile phone or social media accounts

• Discouraging you from seeing friends or family
• Encouraging you to stay at home or preventing you from leaving home without them

Impact on children

Children are particularly at risk during the summer break. Witnessing and/or experiencing domestic abuse can have a damaging impact on the development of children and young people.

From 2022 to 2023, the NSPCC helpline reported that it had received the highest number of domestic abuse contacts in the summer period (July-September).

Under the Domestic Abuse Act, children are classed as victims if they see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse and they are related to the victim or offender.

What do I do if a child reveals domestic abuse?

If a child speaks to you about domestic abuse, it is very important that you provide them with a safe space to share. You should let them know they have done the right thing by telling you, listen to them and understand them but do not push them for answers beyond what they are comfortable with. You should explain what you will do next and report what you've been told.

Do not confront the alleged abuser.

If the child is immediate danger, call 999.

If there is no immediate danger, you can report abuse to the Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0151 443 2600, by getting in contact with Childline or speaking to a trusted adult such as a teacher.

Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: "Unfortunately, the summer holidays can be a time when domestic abuse increases within a household due to people spending more time together or not being able to leave an unsafe environment.

"We want all Knowsley residents to know support is available. Whether it's for yourself or support for someone else, you're not alone and help and support is available."

Support is available

ONLINE SAFETY
Knowsley Council has a 'quick exit' button on all Knowsley News articles that share information on available domestic abuse support and advice. This offers victim/survivors the opportunity to quickly leave the webpage they're looking at, taking them straight to Google with no way of pressing the 'back button' to see the previous website they were on.

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ASK FOR ANI (Action Needed Immediately)
Victims of domestic abuse can now access support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK though the Ask for ANI scheme. The Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) scheme allows those at risk or experiencing abuse to discreetly signal that they need help to access support. By asking for ANI, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access support services such as a national or local domestic abuse helplines.

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999 SILENT SOLUTION

If you're a Knowsley resident experiencing domestic abuse or you know someone who is, you are not alone, and help is available.

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 not at immediate risk but are concerned, please contact one of the services listed below:

Knowsley Council Safer Communities Service (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 443 2610

[email protected]

Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub

Tel: 0151 443 2600

The First Step (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)

Tel: 0151 548 3333

Website: www.thefirststep.org.uk

Savera UK

Helpline 0800 107 0726

www.saverauk.co.uk

Support is also available through:

• National Domestic violence Helpline 0808 2000 247

• Men's Advice Line 0808 801 0327

• LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428

• Women's Aid - Live chat to Women's Aid

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