Find out what support is available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse
Quick Exit Button All forms of domestic abuse are not acceptable in any situation.
If you're experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by, a partner, an ex-partner or family member, it's important to remember that it's not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help.
It may seem like a difficult step to take, but there is support available and you are not alone.
Free, confidential support and advice is available to those experiencing domestic abuse and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day.
All of the below Women's Aid Centres offer temporary accommodation, housing and legal advice, counselling, play work with children and 24 hour call service.
- Changing Pathways (opens new window) Helpline - Refuge and IDVA support services within Basildon 01268 729707
- Braintree Women's Aid - 01376 321720
- Chelmsford Women's Aid - 01245 493114
- Havering Women's Aid - 01708 728759
- Southend Domestic Abuse Services - 01702 291266
- Thurrock Women's Aid - 01375 845899
All of the below will also offer specialist domestic abuse support.
- The Dove Project - 01702 302333
- Basildon Police Domestic Violence Unit - 01268 244092
- Essex Compass (opens new window) - Refuge and IDVA support services outside of Basildon, but within Essex 0330 333 7444
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (opens new window) - Refuge and IDVA support services outside of Essex 0808 2000 247
- Women's Aid (opens new window)
Support from Basildon Council
- Basildon Domestic Abuse Team - Ask For Our Help
- Basildon Homelessness Advice - Phone: 01268 533333 or email housing.solutions@basildon.gov.uk
Counselling service
- Relate (opens new window) - 01268 286888
Helplines
- Victim Support help for victims in Essex (opens new window) - 01268 273703
- Essex Compass (opens new window) - Refuge & IDVA support services outside of Basildon but within Essex 0330 333 7444
- Peabody Basildon - Support with money, benefits, training and employment 01268 498500
- ManKind (opens new window) - Support for men experiencing domestic abuse 01822 334244
- South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre (SERICC) (opens new window) - 01375 380609
- Samaritans (opens new window) - 0845 790 9090
- Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership (SETDAB) (opens new window)
Legal support
- National Centre for Domestic Violence (opens new window) - Emergency injunction service 0800 970 2070
- Taylor Rose MW - Solicitors 01279 351575
Support for children
- Essex County Council - Report a concern about a child (opens new window) - Children's Social Care Essex 0345 603 7627
Helpful materials
The toolkits created by Advance Charity (opens new window) which aim to deliver essential information on domestic abuse to educators, youth workers, parents and carers, as well as children, and young people themselves.
The SETDAB Healthy Relationships (opens new window) animations are created by and for young people. They aim to support young people in maintaining positive relationships, along with identifying and leaving unhealthy ones.
Don't leave them to suffer in silence
Unless the person you are trying to help has been very open about their experiences, it may be difficult to acknowledge the problem directly. You may have noticed a change in behaviour or become suspicious of injuries received.
Try to discuss your concerns tactfully, but you should not force them to confide in you. If they do, there are several basic steps that you can take to try and assist.
Be understanding
- Explain that there are many people in the same circumstances as them.
- Acknowledge it takes strength to trust someone to talk about it.
- Allow time to talk.
- Be open minded and approachable.
Be supportive
- Explain no-one deserves to be threatened or beaten.
- Be a good listener and encourage them to express their anger and hurt.
- Avoid questions like "What did you say?".
- Reassure them that all information that you receive is confidential.
- Provide support in dealing with conflicting and confusing emotions.
Let them make their own decisions
- Don't take control.
- Give them time and space to take control of their own lives.
- Do not judge them.
If they have suffered physical harm
- Encourage them to seek medical help.
- Offer to go to the hospital / doctor with them.
- Help them to report the assault to the Police (if they wish to do so).
Provide information
- Obtain information about support agencies and women's refuges.
- Help explore the options available.
- If safe to do so, encourage them to keep a diary of the abuse / assaults.
Help plan safe strategies for leaving the abusive relationship
- Allow them to make their own decisions regarding what is safe and what is not.
- Don't encourage any strategy that they express concern with.
Consider offering the use of your address and/or telephone number
- This may help with obtaining information or receiving messages.
- May also be useful to keep important documents/items at the alternative address. (Important telephone no's, passport, banking details, credit cards, spare clothes, medication, birth/marriage certificates, spare cash, items of sentimental value).
Look after yourself while you are supporting someone
- Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.
- Do not offer to talk to the abuser about your friend.
- Do not let yourself to be seen by the abuser as a threat to their relationship.
- Consider seeking advice or counselling for yourself.