Domestic Violence
New 24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline
Thousands of women experiencing domestic violence will benefit from a new national domestic violence helpline. The groundbreaking new service is backed by grants from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Comic Relief. It will be run by a partnership of leading domestic violence agencies, Women's Aid and Refuge.
The 24-hour freephone number is:
0808 2000 247
The helpline will provide access to 24-hour emergency refuge accommodation, as well as an information service, including safety planning and translation facilities to thousands of women who suffer at the hands of an abusive partner.
The new helpline will join together the Refuges' and Women's Aid existing helpline numbers to provide a single and unique freephone service. It builds on the charities' support services for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
The Government is committed to tackling domestic violence, an abhorrent crime which kills 2 women a week. This vital new national helpline will help ensure the safety of thousands of women and children who are in danger at home because of a violent partner. Women at risk will be able to get the help they need, when they need it, quickly, safely, and around the clock.
The Government and Comic Relief are each contributing £1m over 3 years towards the cost of developing new initiatives addressing domestic violence. The freephone help-line will receive £600,000 over 3 years. Research shows that abused women want a safe and easy way to receive information. Calls from landlines will not appear on the telephone bill.
As many as 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence at some point during their lives, and it accounts for almost a quarter of violent crime. Women and children fleeing violent partners often become homeless and are forced to live in temporary accommodation.
Friends and families of those who may be in danger can also call for support.
Date modified: 16 December 2003
Review date: December 2004
Originator: Crime Reduction Centre Information team
Last update: Monday, August 06, 2007