FDS HELPLINE DIRECTORY

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Do you need help leaving an abusive relationship or feel like something isn't right? Or are you concerned about a particular pickmeisha friend who seems in danger?

If your behaviour has changed for the worse because of how your partner treats you or your children, this can be the sign of an unhealthy or controlling relationship.

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Take a look at the following helpful resources below for advice on how to get support and exit an abusive relationship safely.

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Please note: if you are in immediate danger or suspect someone may try to attack or stalk you, your kids or damage your property/ belongings: please call your local emergency services ASAP. Also please be careful when viewing these pages if you live with a possible abuser and feel you're in danger of being found out- browse on Google in incognito mode, read the cyber security advice below and quickly close the window down if you feel at risk of someone seeing this information against your wishes.

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Domestic Abuse Resources

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• Am I in an abusive relationship?

• What is domestic abuse?

• I'm worried about someone else

• Early warning signs

• Leaving an abusive relationship

• How can I help my children?

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Cyber Security- Staying Safe Online​

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• How to browse Google in private so your activity history isn't saved

• Internet safety tips- cover your tracks online to stay safe

• More in-depth guide to cyber security for females

• Password security: how to strengthen passwords and make them difficult to crack- particularly useful for email and social media accounts

• Check if your email account has been part of a data leak and set up alerts for any future possible data breaches

• Join the wait list for TallPoppy- an app designed to prevent online

• harassment/hacking

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Useful Organisations That Can Help

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• Live Chat with Women's Aid online (UK) Connect to a support worker for advice: Monday to Friday 10:00am - 12:00pm

• Find your local service (UK)

• The National Domestic Helpline (USA)- includes online chat if you can't talk

• Samaritans (AUS)

• White Ribbon Domestic Violence Helpline (AUS)

• Victim Support (UK) Advice on reporting a crime and going to court

• Legal Advice (UK)

• Stalking and Harassment helpline (UK)

• Forced Marriage Helpline (UK)

• Rape Crisis -England and Wales

• Rape Crisis- Scotland

• RAINN Sexual Assault Line (USA) 24/7

• National Centre for Domestic Violence (UK): Award-winning service allows anyone who has recently suffered or been threatened with domestic violence to apply for an emergency court injunction.

• Survivors’ Forum This is a safe, anonymous, space for women (over 18) who have been affected by domestic abuse to share their experiences and support one another.

• Survivors Handbook The Survivor’s Handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, with simple guidance on every aspect of seeking support.

• How male murderers into violent sex abuse the 'rough sex' defence

• Domestic violence resources: 22 Standout Groups Stopping Domestic Violence

• Useful links to other organisations

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According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, early signs of DV can be subtle in you or a friend who’s experiencing domestic abuse. You might be tempted to shrug them off as just the normal throes of a relationship. Or, worse, you may think you’re to blame.

You’re not. And there’s nothing normal about domestic violence.

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Red flags include:

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• Fear of your partner

• Missing work or school

• Personality changes

• Low self-esteem

• Trouble sleeping

• Anxiety about pleasing your partner

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Warning signs in your partner include:

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• Monitoring you on social media

• Keeping you from seeing friends and family

• Blaming you and others for problems in their life

• Angry outbursts, punching walls, or destroying your property

• Tracking your spending or withholding money

• Controlling who you talk to, what you wear, or where you go

• Criticising, belittling, or embarrassing you in front of others

• Taking away your keys or preventing you from leaving

• Restraining, slapping, or physically hurting you

• Threatening self-harm or suicide if you try to leave

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