What can we as friends and neighbours do?

Do you hear lots of arguments?
Can you hear things being broken?
Do arguments stop suddenly?
Are the children visibly upset or withdrawn?
If on the phone, can the person speak freely and on their own?

Never confront the perpetrator. never talk to the victim in front of the perpetrator . always call 999 in an emergency

Let the person know you are a safe person to speak to, whenever it is safe for them to do so or are ready to

Choose a code word they can use if they feel they are in danger. if they use this word, ring the police
For a neighbour it could be a signal such as moving a vase or putting the bin in a different place
if on the phone, always use yes or no questions. do not put the person in more danger by alerting the perpetrator.

In Stroud we have access to Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) (www.gdass.org)
whose helpline is 01452 726570. They can also be contacted on support@gdass.org.uk

GDASS work hard with their partner agencies to ensure ongoing support for new and existing clients. They can help get people out of abusive households, to a place of safety and we work closely with police to hold perpetrators of abuse to account

Within Stroud we are fortunate to have Stroud Beresford Group on 01453 764385 http://www.stroudwomensrefuge.org
National 24 hour Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000247