Women's safety and support service

Leave site to cover your tracks

For women who are experiencing or have survived partner violence or other forms of abuse

You can access the service if:

• You are a witness at court for domestic abuse or other partner violence
• You or your partner are receiving a criminal justice social work service
• You have been charged with a criminal offence and have experienced abuse

Everyone who receives support from Women’s Safety and Support Service will be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity.

You choose the level of support you need:

• Regular one to one contact offering emotional and practical support
• Phone support
• Group support
• Information and advocacy support at meetings with other agencies
• Prison visits

We can support you to:

• Increase your safety and deal with immediate risk and emergency situations

• Build up your self esteem and confidence
• Increase your awareness of potential supports and surround yourself with supportive people
• Talk about how you are feeling
• Plan for the future
• Understand that abuse is never your fault
• Recognise how you have been affected and support you to recover emotionally
• Access additional specialist services in your area.
• Access support for your children

How is it affecting you? 

Living with domestic abuse affects women differently but for many women there are some common feelings

• Do you feel unsafe?
• Are you constantly thinking about how you can avoid your partner’s (ex) behaviour?
• Do you feel guilty, betrayed, angry, powerless and/or ashamed?

Often confidence and self-esteem are affected and as a result of coping with abuse and a constant threat of or actual violence other difficulties can develop such as anxiety or depression or substance misuse. You may have criminal offences resulting from the abuse you have experienced or be handling other difficulties such as homelessness.

How can Women’s Safety and Support Service help you?

Women’s support workers have skills in supporting women with the range of difficulties that you may be experiencing as a result of domestic abuse. We will listen to you to help you identify your specific needs and give guidance on what support is available to you.

The process of recovery from domestic abuse is a journey that can take some time and is not always easy. But as you start to feel safer and more in control of your life you will regain the power to make decisions that are right for you.

Forms of violence and abuse?

Abuse can be physical but it can also take other forms. It can be perpetrated by partners but also other men. For example:

• Verbal abuse such as insults, criticism and putting you down
• Verbal threats to hurt you, your children, someone close to you or themselves if you don’t do what he wants or you say you are leaving
• Sexual abuse including childhood abuse, rape and sexual coercion
• Being kept isolated from family and friends, being ‘checked up’ on, being ‘bad mouthed’ to others or being locked in
• Financially controlling behaviour such as withholding money or making you account for money you spend or
• Physical intimidation such as punching walls and shouting in your face

Domestic abuse/violence is not caused by alcohol, bad childhood experiences or an inability to manage anger. It is about control and the abuse of power and is never your fault.

How to Access the service?

You can refer yourself or ask any worker you have contact with to refer on your behalf. We would then contact you to offer you an appointment to meet. This appointment is informal and an opportunity to talk about any difficulties you are experiencing following domestic abuse. We will help you to plan the immediate and, if required, longer-term support you need.

Confidentiality, Safety and Your Rights are our highest priority

The Women’s Safety and Support Service aims to increase the safety and support recovery for women and children who are or have experienced domestic abuse.

Helplines

 For further information please contact us.