The world isn't always a safe place for everyone.

If you or someone you know doesn't feel safe, there are things you can do which may help.

Domestic abuse

How to report domestic abuse

If you, or someone you know, is feeling anxious and unsafe at home, visit gmvictims.org for help & advice on accessing local services.

If you, or someone you know, has come to harm or is at risk of coming to harm, you can report it to Greater Manchester Police online here or call 101. 

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, always dial 999

If you're calling 999 from a mobile phone and are unable to speak, you can use the Silent Solution (SS) by pressing 55 when prompted. The operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.

 

How to stay safer at home

If you are currently experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse you will know what being isolated and frightened will feel like but you are not alone in this.

You are a survivor, equipped with the knowledge, strength and tools that help keep you and your family safe every day.

Below are some things you can think about if this is happening to you. Remember that you are an expert in your own situation and only take on advice that feels safe and relevant to you. It is important to try and think about the things that may change or make you more unsafe, especially thinking through now how you might get help if you need it.

Always remember that the abuse you are experiencing is not your fault.

 

Support from family, friends & neighbours

Please keep in touch with friends and family by telephone, video calls or social media. This means you are keeping them in touch with any risks you are facing and that you have a support network if you should need it.

Could you set up a check in call with someone you trust, so you know someone will contact you at certain times of the week?

 

Self Care

Have a look here for ideas on how to keep well, people you can talk to like wellbeing champions and national organisations not listed here.

 

Do you have a personalised safety plan?

If not, find out how to make one here.

 

Are you worried...

...about your behaviour - are you hurting someone close to you? You can contact Respect for help to stop on 0808 802 4040.

...about whether your friend's or family member's partner could be abusive? There is a Right to Ask process under Clare's Law which you can request via Greater Manchester Police here.

...that someone you know may be being abused at home? The Bright Sky app will help you spot signs of abuse, keep an online journal and signpost you to support, safe spaces and what to do in an emergency.

Discrimination, Harrassment and Hate Crime

Click here for advice from the Citizen's Advice Bureau and to find out the differences between these three. Links to support are below.

Support and Resources

  • Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0800 254 0909
  • Advice and help from the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300
  • If you're LGBTQI+ and experiencing abuse or violence such as hate crime, sexual violence, 'conversion therapy', get support from Galop on 0800 999 5428 or visit the website for an email address or to live chat. (Not a 24/7 service.)
  • Support for men who are victims of domestic abuse from Respect on 0808 801 0327
  • Contact the LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline (not 24/7) on 0800 999 5428 or visit the website for an email address or live webchat
  • Support for and by trans and non-binary victims of domestic abuse (including for 'honour'-based violence and forced marriage) from Loving Me on 07902 478 958 (not a 24/7 service) or visit the website to email instead
  • If you're experiencing a hate crime, you can get advice from Victim Support or from Stop Hate UK or get support from SupportLine on 01708 765 200 - click here for more Supportline contacts.
  • For advice and support in regard to obtaining non-molestation orders and legal advice, contact Rights of Women.
  • The National Domestic Abuse helpline is a free, 24/7 service - ring 0808 2000 247 or use live chat on the website.
  • End the Fear's website has advice on how how hide your tracks on your phone, tablet & computer if you're looking for help and what do do if you are being hurt, if someone you know is being hurt, or if you are hurting someone. You can also ring 0161 636 7525 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm excl Bank Holidays) or the 24/7 national helpline 0808 2000 247.
  • Get help for yourself or for someone else with 'honour'-based abuse and forced marriage: contact Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 
  • If you've been affected by a crime, you can call Victim Support for 24/7 confidential support, which is independent of the police, on 0808 16 89 111.
  • The Hollie Guard app turns your smartphone into a personal safety device.

 

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