Southside’s IAN (Information and Navigator) service is open – 01225 331243 for information, advice and signposting for victims of domestic abuse in Bath and North East Somerset, concerned family or friends and professional who support them.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police (you could set speed dial on phones for 9 to dial 999)

Silent calls to the police call 999, and then press 55, the police will assist, and you will not need to speak.

All local GPs have been trained to deal with domestic abuse, if you need help it is worth considering calling your GP. It may be easier to do this if you have an existing health condition. Your GP can refer you to Southside for support on domestic abuse.

Ask for Ani – if you go into Boots or participating independent pharmacies and ask for “Ani”, you will be given the chance to go to a private space to talk, to see if you need help from police or other services such as domestic abuse helplines.

Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and independent pharmacies across the UK are also providing Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse – ask at the healthcare counter to use their Safe Space.

Even though it might be hard during Covid restrictions for victims to call or be able to speak openly about what is happening at this time, Southside will find a way to reach them in a safe way and if this is not possible, we will be waiting to support them when they are in a position to call.

This isolation provides time/space to reflect on relationships, think about changes that you would like to make and plan for your future. Southside will be there to support you when you are ready to make positive changes for you and your children.

We know that victims of domestic abuse who Southside were already supporting before the lockdown started are now at greater risk. We have seen an escalation in new incidents of abuse, the increased possibility of domestic abuse between family members during lockdown and calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline have surged by more than a third during this crisis.

You can contact the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

We know that there are increased levels of mental ill-health, alcohol and substance misuse, which all contribute to domestic abuse. People who were already traumatised have been experiencing additional traumas during lockdowns. Victims have experienced increased levels of domestic abuse and coercive control whilst isolated with their abuser. Many are waiting for the end of lockdown and we anticipate a surge in need as restrictions ease when victims seek help to find safety and escape the abuse that they have been experiencing.

Southside is also supporting our local communities through deliveries of dozens of meals each week, along with essential supplies and support to keep people safe. Since this crisis started, there has been a strong multi-agency response, and Southside is working closely with local organisations to support those most in need in our communities.