Emergency Services

If you feel in immediate risk – you should always call 999 in the first instance. If you're in danger, call 999 and try to speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering. You may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone to answer questions. 

Call 999 from a mobile

If you don't speak or answer questions, press 55 or tap when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police. 

The police will usually be able to find your location.

If you don't press 55 or respond, your call could be ended.

Call 999 from a landline

If you don't speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they'll transfer your call to the police. 

If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again.

Calling 999 from a landline automatically gives the police information about your location.

If you are deaf or can’t use a phone

You can register with the emergencySMS. Text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.

Source: www.police.uk/pu/contact-us/how-to-make-a-silent-999-call

Safe2Speak

The Domestic Abuse Service in St Helens are delivered by Torus St Helens, offering support to any resident of St Helens who is a victim of domestic abuse, whatever their living situation. You don’t have to be a Torus tenant to get help.

The service is free, confidential, supportive, informative, non-judgmental and available to anyone experiencing domestic abuse of any kind: sexual, physical, emotional or financial. No matter the situation, if you feel at risk from a partner or family member in the home, Safe2Speak are here to help.

Telephone

If you are seeking non-urgent domestic abuse support call the Safe2Speak Outreach & IDVA team on: 01744 743200. The phoneline operates Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

If you are seeking emergency accommodation in relation to domestic abuse you can contact the 24 hour helpline on: 01925 220541

Find out more on the Safe2Speak website, www.safe2speak.co.uk

If your call to 01744 743200 is unanswered, this may be due to us receiving a high volume of calls. Please do not leave a voicemail at this time as this facility cannot be monitored due staff working from home. Instead, please call 01925 220541 to leave a message for the IDVA/Outreach Service: including your name, safe contact number & how we can help.

If it is not safe to call, please click here for information on accessing support online at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us 



Deaf Individuals

If referring a deaf person to Safe2Speak, they will be able to communicate with the deaf individual by text once the referral is received (they have work mobiles). They do not offer a text service for deaf people to text Safe2Speak themselves directly. 

If the person is deaf and wishes to contact police or any emergency service, they can use the text 999 service.

https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html

They simply need to register their number first by texting “register” to 999.

Alternatively, there is an app called 999BSL which can be used to contact emergency services. The person would have to open 999 BSL app, press the red button to call which then starts a video call connect to a BSL interpreter. Further information on the app can be found here: https://999bsl.co.uk/resources/

There is a service called Sign Health who cover the UK and they offer domestic abuse support for male and female clients: https://signhealth.org.uk/for-professionals/domestic-abuse-service/

You can refer a deaf person to Sign Health's Domestic Abuse Service by downloading and completing this form: Adult Referral Form

Other contact options include Text ONLY 07800 003421 or email da@signhealth.org.uk

MERIT & MARAC

Agencies who receive disclosures of domestic abuse from their clients, or have concerns that domestic abuse is an issue, should complete the MERIT risk assessment tool with the individual victim, as per MARAC protocols.

Download a copy of the MERIT risk assessment here

By completing the MERIT risk assessment, this will enable you as the referring agent to identify the level of risk & determine the referral pathway required into DV services.

Depending on the outcome of the MERIT risk assessment, the level of risk is separated into 3 categories: Gold, Sliver & Bronze.

You can use our Guidance Tool to help you complete the MERIT risk assessment accurately & thoroughly.

Gold Scores - Referral to MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference)

If you complete a merit & it scores 72+ – as the referring agent you will need to complete a MARAC referral form as you have identified a high risk victim of domestic abuse. The MARAC referral form can be downloaded here

At the stage of risk identification, it is important to notify the victim of the MARAC and that you will be making a referral, enabling you to seek informed consent from the victim. Although it is preferable consent is received, a MARAC referral can be submitted without consent with supporting evidence and later stages of the form should be fully completed.

The MARAC referral form should be completed and returned to: maracreferrals@sthelens.gov.uk

The referrals will then be processed by the MARAC team and shared across to the IDVA service to be allocated to an IDVA’s case load to make initial contact with the victim and explain service offer for safety planning, guidance and support.

The IDVA Service does not accept direct referrals from professionals– all referrals to IDVA must be referred to MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) which automatically triggers a referral to the IDVA Service.

Silver & Bronze Scores - Referral to Domestic Abuse Outreach Service

If the MERIT score falls within the Silver or Bronze categories, you can then use our domestic abuse outreach service referral form to access specialised Domestic Abuse support for the victim. Download the Domestic Abuse Outreach referral form here

The referral form should be completed fully with the MERIT attached and returned to dvreferral@torus.co.uk and MARKED CONFIDENTIAL

The referrals will then be screened by our Risk identification Officer and initial contact will be made with the victim offering them a face to face appointment/support service.

In some cases, you may feel that even though the scoring has come out at Silver or Bronze that, in your professional judgement, the case needs to be heard at the MARAC. In these circumstances, you would complete the MARAC referral form as described above, and be clear what your professional judgement is.

Accessing Emergency Crisis Accommodation

To access refuge accommodation based services, agencies can call the 24hr Helpline based at Refuge on 01925 220541.

As a referring agent, you will asked to provide detailed information about the victim and the outcome of the MERIT you have completed.

A risk assessment and referral form will be completed by refuge staff and this information will then be screened to determine if there is an appropriate vacancy at St Helens refuge for the victim to access or if it is suitable for them to access the waiting list.

Alternatively, the refuge staff can assist agencies to source refuge vacancies out of borough by checking the national refuge vacancy database.

Safe2Speak Programme

The Safe2Speak programme provides a 6 week rolling programme tailored to anyone who has been or is affected by domestic abuse and wishes to access specialist practical advice and support through facilitated and structured group work sessions each Monday 12.30pm to 14.30pm.

It is important to note that a person attending the Safe2Speak Programme is not equivalent to IDVA or DV Outreach support and is a supplementary service. A client does not need to be open to an IDVA or DV Outreach Officer to access the programme and the Safe2Speak referral form can be completed separately. To make a referral to the programme at the same time as referring a client for IDVA and outreach support please indicate this when completing the relevant referral form.

Download the Safe2Speak Programme referral form here and send to dvreferral@torus.co.uk (marked confidential)

Domestic Abuse Support Services A-Z

Domestic Abuse WA12 CIC

Domestic Abuse WA12 offers support, signposting and advocacy to those affected by Domestic Abuse in and around Newton-le-Willows. Their mission is that of breaking the silence around Domestic Abuse. Giving victims and survivors their voice back to discuss and disclose their abuse and help them to recover and rebuild.

Domestic Abuse WA12 have established several recovery pathways, and help individuals and their families find their own best route to rise up.  The service engage a number of methods of support, based on experience and learnings, from both their own stories, and also those journeys they have been involved with, as a support system. 

Foodshare and Community Café

Additionally Domestic Abuse WA12  run a Surplus Foodshare Hub (at 1a Haydock St, Newton le Willows, St Helens, Merseyside, WA12 9AB) whereby they have a membership (£5 annual fee and £1 per shop) and you can collect produce, save money and prevent perfectly good food going to landfill. More info on the Foodshare here: https://www.thelivewelldirectory.com/Services/10064. The Surplus Foodshare Service is primarily for clients of WA12 Domestic Abuse Service.

The Community Café is located at Cross Lane United Church (Cross Lane, Newton le Willows, St Helens, Merseyside, WA12 9PT) on a Monday and Tuesday between 8am-3pm.

Contact Details:

Contact Name: Debbie Taylor / Emma Haselton.

Address: Domestic Abuse WA12 Surplus Foodshare Hub, 1a Haydock St,, Newton le Willows, Merseyside, St Helens, WA12 9AB

Email: domesticabusewa12@gmail.com

Website: www.domesticabusewa12.co.uk

DART Programme - NSPCC

Through Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together (DART™), children and mothers can talk to each other about domestic abuse, learn to communicate and rebuild their relationship.

The service, which has been recognised by the Home Office, also provides children and mothers with an opportunity to meet others who have lived through similar experiences.

How DART works

Over ten weeks, mothers and children aged 7-14 meet for a weekly two-hour group session.

Children and mothers work together for an hour at the start of the group, and then take part in activities in separate groups. At the end of each session, they join together again.

Women learn more about:

• how domestic abuse happens
• how it affects children

They’ll also explore experiences and strategies that can be used as a parent.

Children take part in activities together that help them build their own understanding of domestic abuse and how they’re feeling.

Here’s a link to the programme -https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services-children-families/dart

The Programme is ran by St Helens Council Early Help Team and we can send a referral to ParentingTeam@sthelens.gov.uk

Referral Form

Galop - LGBT+ Anti Violence Charity

The Galop team has decades of experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.

LGBT+ Abuse and Violence Helpline

The Galop Helpline is here to offer emotional support, guidance and help to explore what options may be available to anyone aged 18+ who is experiencing or has experienced violence and abuse. It is open to anyone LGBT+ in the UK, as well as friends, family members, and professionals who may be concerned about an LGBT+ person who is facing abuse.

You can contact the Helpline on 0800 999 5428 or you can email the team at help@galop.org.uk

Alternatively, you can use the online chat.

Helpline Opening Times:

Monday – 9:15am to 8pm
Tuesday – 9:15am to 8pm
Wednesday – 9:15am to 4:30pm
Thursday – 9:15pm to 4:30pm
Friday – 9:15pm to 4:30pm
Closed on weekends

The helpline will close for 1 hour each day at 1pm and open again at 2pm.

You can refer yourself into Galop services, or you can refer someone to us if you are a professional .

The online referral form can be found here: https://galop.org.uk/make-a-referral/

Children & young people

Galop provides free, confidential and independent support for LGBT+ young people aged 13 to 25.

The young people’s service is confidential, friendly and effective in helping young people be safe and well. The service actively include all lesbian, gay, bi, pan, queer, ace, aro, trans, non-binary, genderqueer, gender fluid and intersex young people. The team work with young people who aren’t sure about their identity. Over half of the LGBT+ young people Galop work with are young people of colour, who face multiple forms of marginalisation due to their identity.  Further information on the Children and Young People Service (including the online referral form) can be found here: https://galop.org.uk/get-help/children-young-peoplev/

Resources & Publications

Galop have a range of resources on their website, about LGBT+ experiences of hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence or so-called 'conversion therapy'. Website: https://galop.org.uk/

Government Advice and Information

The Gov.UK Website has a page with further information on how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse: www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

If English is not your first language, the page has been translated into several languages as well as an easy read version. You can select one of the languages at the top right hand side of the page.

If you are deaf, you can access a British Sign Language video that explains how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.

Clare's Law - check whether someone has an abusive past

If you are concerned that a new, former or existing partner has an abusive past you can ask the police to check under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as ‘Clare’s Law’). This is your ‘right to ask’. If records show that you may be at risk of domestic abuse, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member, you can apply for a disclosure on behalf of someone you know.

You can make a request to the police for information about a person’s previous violent offending in person at the police station or elsewhere, by telephone, by email, online or as part of a police investigation. Support agencies and services can also help you ask the police about this.

Get a court order to protect you or your child

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse you can apply for a court order or injunction to protect yourself or your child from:

• your current or previous partner
• a family member
• someone you currently or previously lived with

This is called a non-molestation or occupation order.

You can apply online, by email or by post.

Further information on how to apply for this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/injunction-domestic-violence

Mankind

Mankind have a confidential helpline available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers. They provide an information and signposting service to men suffering from domestic abuse from their current or former wife, partner (including same-sex partner) or husband. This can range from physical violence or object throwing to abuse such as constant bullying or insults.

The Helpline receive calls from male victims of domestic abuse across all age ranges and professions:

• From delivery drivers and doctors to bankers and builders
• From men in their 20s to men in their 80s
• From men in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Male Victims of Domestic Abuse – Please call our confidential helpline open Monday – Friday 10am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays)

Freephone 0808 800 1170 (will not show on your bills)

Helpline 01823 334 244 (for those with inclusive minutes)

Further information can be found on the Mankind website here: https://mankind.org.uk/

Men's Advice Line

The Men's Advice Line is here to support men experiencing domestic abuse. If you want to talk to someone, you can speak to their friendly and professional advisors on the phone, by email or on webchat. No pressure, no judgement, just help. It’s up to you how much you say, and we’ll talk to you with courtesy and respect, offering you the most appropriate help and support.

Information Hub

The Information Hub was created to help you find contacts to your local male victim’s domestic abuse service, access refuges / safe houses for male victims, and find a range of services offering specialised support for other areas of need including housing and homelessness, immigration, mental health and wider.

Legal information for abuse victims

Legal resources and factsheets about abuse. For example, Understanding Non-molestation orders.

This factsheet explains what a non-molestation order is, how it can protect victims of domestic abuse, and how to apply for one.

Offering help for friends & family of male victims

Do you know someone who may need some male domestic abuse support? It’s hard to know what to do when you’re concerned that a male friend or relative may be being abused, especially if they’re uncomfortable opening up about their situation.

Your instinct might be to protect your loved one. Particularly if you’re a parent or a close relative, it can be distressing to think of them being hurt.

You can’t stop the abuse yourself. That’s why the Men's Advice Line is here to help and to offer male domestic abuse support. You can contact them and speak to their friendly Advisors by phone, email or webchat.

If you witness an assault, call 999.

Contact details

Telephone support: 0808 8010327, Mon–Fri 10am-5pm (Free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK. Your call will not appear on itemised bills. You can also call free from BT pay phones).

Email support: info@mensadviceline.org.uk , Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Webchat support - Wednesday 10-11:30am & Thursday 2-4pm

Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

Merseyside Police Advice and Information

Domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life and in many different ways. Find out what classes as domestic abuse, how to report it and how, under Clare’s Law, you can find out if a partner has a history of domestic violence or abuse. The website also shows you how to delete your visit from your web history, if you need to.

Digital domestic abuse

Digital abuse is when someone monitors, stalks, harasses, threatens, controls or impersonates another person using technology. This could involve stalking through social media, harassment by text message or humiliation by posting pictures or videos, for example. Digital abuse can happen to anyone but it most often happens alongside other types of domestic abuse. The Merseyside Police Website has further information on how to protect yourself from digital abuse and how to make a report if needed.

Further information can be found here: www.merseyside.police.uk/domestic-abuse

Refuge - National Domestic Violence Helpline

Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK. On any given day their services support thousands of women and their children, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives — free from fear.

Their dedicated staff will listen to your needs and develop a safety plan for you and any children involved. Refuge know that every person has different needs, depending on their circumstances. They will work with you to develop the right support plan for you.

You’re not alone. Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Call for free and in confidence, 24 hours a day: 0808 2000 247
You can also chat to Refuge live online, Monday-Friday 10am-10pm

Website: https://refuge.org.uk/

PALADIN

Paladin was established in July 2013 following a highly successful Stalking Reform Campaign in Parliament. Paladin assists high risk victims of stalking through out England and Wales. A number of Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) ensure high risk victims of stalking are supported and that a co-ordinated community response is developed locally to keep victims and their children safe.

Paladin Young People Services 16-24yrs

Paladin have a young people's team who help support people aged between 16 and 24 years old who think they are being stalked.

If what's happening has left you feeling scared or uncomfortable as the person won't stop, it might be time to speak to someone and get some advice about it.

To access the Paladin Service, you can get in touch with them directly yourself or a professional can make a referral on your behalf. The online referral form can be found on their website.

Telephone: 02038664107

Email: info@paladinservice.co.uk

Website: www.paladinservice.co.uk 

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RASASC

RASASC (Cheshire and Merseyside) is a registered charity committed to supporting people who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse.

It does not matter how long ago it occurred or what happened – they are here to help. RASASC have been providing support to people affected by sexual violence since 1995. The service work in partnership with local authorities and NHS England to ensure they provide services to people affected by rape and/or sexual assault.

It may be you that have experienced the abuse or you could be a friend or relative of someone you know who has gone through it – either way RASASC are here to help you. RASASC have offices in Chester, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Knowsley, Halton, Northwich, Macclesfield, St. Helens and Warrington as well as offering outreach support in locations across Cheshire and Merseyside.

On their website you will find information about RASASC and their services, some facts and advice about what to do if you have just been raped and your options if the incident happened some time ago, information about reporting the crime to the police and what you can do if you do not want to report it. You will also find some links to useful websites and information on other services in the UK that may help you.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)

At RASASC,  they have a team of specially trained and accredited Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) who work across Cheshire, Knowsley and St. Helens.

ISVAs are independent from all other agencies/professionals and provide support and advocacy to anyone who has experienced sexual violence regardless of when the incident occurred and if a report was made to the police. ISVAs provide impartial advice and support and can help you explore your choices and options.

If you have made a report to the police, ISVAs can provide crucial practical and emotional support throughout the criminal justice process; from report to court our ISVAs are on hand to support you at each step.

If you are a parent/carer of someone under 18 who has experienced sexual abuse, ISVAs can work directly with you to provide the above support.

Counselling

RASASC offer specialist counselling for people who have experienced rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse. Our Specialist Counselling Service is accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and we follow its Ethical Framework.

You can access counselling by telephoning the RASASC information line; by email; or by completing a referral form for professionals or Self-Referral Form here: www.rapecentre.org.uk/specialist-counselling

Children and young people’s service

Sexual abuse is when a child or young person is forced or coerced into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with an adult or another young person. It can happen to anyone at any age – boys and girls. RASASC offer a counselling and ISVA support service to children and young people up to the age of 18 who have been affected either directly or indirectly by sexual violence/abuse.

A CISVA (Children and Young Person’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisors)  is a special worker who can help you and provide support to you if you have experienced sexual abuse or sexual exploitation at any time in your life. ISVAs are separate from the police or children’s services, they work for RASASC and it is totally your choice if you would like to work with an ISVA. If the police have been informed, ISVAs can support you at each step.

Your ISVA will not tell you what to do, ISVAs will talk through your rights and options to help you make decisions.

Counselling Service - Young people who have been sexually abused can experience many overpowering emotions and sometimes these can be difficult to recognise and deal with. counsellor will help you to explore these feelings within a safe and secure environment. This can be achieved in many ways, your counsellor will help you find better ways of identifying and expressing your feelings and help you to come to terms with what has happened to you and enable you to move on with your life.

The referral form for the Children and Young People's Service can be found here: www.rapecentre.org.uk/children-and-young-peoples-service

Supporting your child- Programme for Parents and Carers

This FREE course is for those who play pivotal roles in supporting children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse. There are a series of videos that are split into four sections:

1. Understanding the impact of sexual abuse and recognising trauma responses within children

2. Self-care for the caregiver: considering ways of managing the impact of supporting children who are struggling with the effects of sexual abuse

3. Creating emotionally safe environments for children: ways of strengthening relationships and a sense of connectedness

4. Supporting and teaching emotional regulation to children.

To access the course, simply click on the videos here: www.rapecentre.org.uk/parents-and-carers

Leaflets:

ISVA

Counselling

Children's Therapy

Young People's Therapy

Parents and Carers

Contact Details:

The information line is open Monday to Friday 9.00 until 4.00 and is available to you on any of these numbers:

Information and helpline: 0330 363 0063

St. Helens: 01744 877987

Email: support@rapecentre.org.uk 

Address: RASASC, PO Box 35, Warrington WA1 1DW

Website: www.rapecentre.org.uk

Respect

Choose to stop

Respect provide help for domestic violence perpetrators. The service encourages you to reflect on your behaviours and how they have harmed others. Becoming aware of how you’re acting will help you take control of your behaviours – and ultimately, stop. If you’re not sure if your behaviour is abusive, click here to learn more about types of abusive relationships.

Get in touch with the Respect Phoneline - You can talk to someone in confidence about your violence and domestic abuse. A friendly Helpline Advisor will listen to you without judgement and give you honest advice.

Telephone support: 0808 8024040 (Monday–Friday 10am-5pm)

Free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK. Your call will not appear on itemised bills. You can also call free from BT pay phones.

Email support: info@respectphoneline.org.uk (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Providing help for domestic abuse victims

If you are a victim of domestic abuse and you are looking for information or help for your abusive partner, Respect can help. They have a dedicated page with information and advice for victims, including resources to read to help you tell if the abuser is changing.

You are welcome to contact the Respect Phoneline to discuss your concerns, so you can decide whether your abusive partner is changing or not.

Resources for perpetrators

The resources on the Respect website aim to help you understand your abusive behaviours and start to contain them. The factsheets are short documents, focussing on one topic each. The self-help guides are longer documents with a broader overview on domestic abuse. The resources are not a substitute for specialist domestic abuse prevention programmes. You can read the resources here: https://respectphoneline.org.uk/resources/resources-for-perpetrators/

Help for concerned friends & family members of domestic abuse perpetrators

Are you, a friend or family member looking for help for a perpetrator of domestic abuse?

It’s difficult to know what to do if you become aware that a relative or a friend has been abusive or violent to their partner. You’ll feel a range of emotions, and maybe mixed loyalties. Domestic abuse often continues because it remains hidden. There is a page on the Respect website which gives suggestions on what you can do: https://respectphoneline.org.uk/friends-family/

You can also call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 8024040 for advice.

Further information about the Respect Service can be found on their website here: https://respectphoneline.org.uk/

Victim Care Merseyside

Victim Care Merseyside is a package of support and help for victims of crime delivered by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell.

This service is designed to help all victims of crime living in Merseyside to cope and recover in the aftermath of a crime.

Victim Care Merseyside hub

At the heart of the Victim Care Merseyside service is a team of trained, knowledgeable staff who are on hand to provide free, confidential and non-judgemental advice and support to anyone affected by crime living in Merseyside – real people here to help you.

This local hub is a single point of contact for help and guidance, with a team of specially trained staff available to offer emotional and practical support tailored to your needs.

You can contact Victim Care Merseyside for help whether you have reported a crime to the police or not.

Support is free and confidential.

You can contact Victim Care Merseyside by:

• Calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm.
• Requesting support online here: https://www.victimcaremerseyside.org/contact/request-support/
  

Womens Aid

Women's Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. As a Federation, they provide life saving services across England while building a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated. If you are experiencing abuse, Women's Aid is here to help. You can access their support by:

• Speaking with a Support Worker via their instant online messaging service. The online chat is open Mon-Friday 8am -6pm and 10am - 6pm on weekends. The current average wait time is 25 minutes.
• Alternatively you can get support by email: helpline@womensaid.co.uk. When you email the service, it is very important that you specify if it is safe to respond to your email address. This would mean that no one had access to that email account. If you are emailing from what appears to be a shared email account, they will not be able to respond due to safety reasons. The team aim to respond to your email within 5 working days.
• Downloading The Survivors Handbook from their website. The handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse with simple guidance on every aspect of seeking support. You can also listen to the handbook using the audio recordings and transcripts, which are available in English and other additional languages.
• Accessing the online forum. The Survivors' Forum is a safe, anonymous, space for women (over 18) who have been affected by domestic abuse to share their experiences and support one another.

Travel to Refuge Service

Travel to Refuge is an umbrella scheme in which travel companies cover the cost of train or coach tickets for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse travelling to refuge accommodation. It’s made up of two schemes:

• Rail to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and the Rail Delivery Group, set up in April 2020, providing free rail travel for survivors of abuse.
• Road to Refuge, a joint initiative between Women’s Aid and National Express, set up in 2023, providing free coach travel for survivors of abuse. 

How does the scheme work?

A survivor reaches out for support from a domestic abuse service which is a member of Women’s Aid Federation of England, Imkaan, Scottish Women’s Aid, Welsh Women’s Aid or Respect Men’s Advice Line.

If appropriate, the survivor will be referred to a refuge and will be informed once a refuge vacancy has been confirmed. 

The refuge books a free train or coach ticket for the survivor. 

The refuge can send the ticket and collection details to the survivor via a mobile phone. The survivor can then either use an e-ticket or text sent to their mobile phone, pick the ticket up from the station using any debit or credit card or the refuge can request the ticket via post and provide to the survivor in person. They can travel like normal, without having to declare the ticket was free or that they are fleeing from domestic abuse. 

Further information on Women's Aid can be found on their website here: www.womensaid.org.uk 

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Page Last Updated December 2024