Enfield Council and its partners have set up a dedicated domestic abuse hub to help tackle increasing numbers of cases caused by the COVID-19 lockdown.
People who are are suffering from domestic abuse and are worried about their circumstances can access help and support by contacting the hub’s specialist officers for advice on the free-phone helpline on 0800 923 9009.
The new hub will enhance the current arrangements in the borough, making it easier for people to get help quickly to ensure vulnerable adults and children are kept safe.
Since the coronavirus lockdown started there has been an increase in the number of domestic abuse cases in the United Kingdom and a similar increase in the number of incidents reported to the police.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, Cllr Nneka Keazor, said: “Domestic abuse is everyone’s responsibility and we are working to promote awareness and understanding of the services available to ensure we can respond quickly and effectively to people’s needs.
“This hub will bolster our response to people who are desperately in need of help and reduce the impact of domestic abuse in our borough.
”Domestic abuse remains a hidden problem in our society which has a massive impact on those effected and their families. Domestic abuse happens across all communities, faiths and cultures. Don’t be afraid to report it. Call us.
"We would like to reassure you that we will be doing all that we can to support you during this challenging time now and in the future. Call us on 0800 923 9009, domestic abuse is a crime.”
The hub will help children and adults experiencing issues with domestic abuse, it includes physical violence, coercive behaviour such as humiliation, depriving someone of their finances and isolating them from any other support system. It will also provide support to friends and relatives of people who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
The phone line is available Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm - see below for what to do in emergency
What to do if you’re in immediate danger
If you or someone you know are in danger you should phone 999 and ask for the police.
If you are unable to talk on the phone, dial 999, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can. Then follow the instructions depending on whether you are calling from a mobile or a landline.
If you call from a mobile
If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard – this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.
If you call 999 from a landline
If only background noise can be heard and BT operators cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, then you will be connected to a police call handler. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again. When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help respond.
If you or someone you know are in danger you should phone 999 and ask for the police.
If you are unable to talk on the phone, dial 999, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can. Then follow the instructions depending on whether you are calling from a mobile or a landline.
(Source: healthwatchenfield.co.uk/news/domestic-abuse-support)
