Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
In December 2020 we launched our new co-produced domestic abuse strategy for Wirral, via a live event using Microsoft Teams. The event was viewed live by over 100 people and featured a mix of colleagues from the council, committee members, third sector partners and people who have experienced domestic abuse
The session was well received and marks the start of a five year programme of activity aimed at making Wirral a place where as few people as possible are affected by domestic abuse, but those who are can get help to end the abuse and live the lives they want.
How to get help
- In an emergency always telephone 999
- If you need help to deal with domestic abuse or violence you can contact the Family Safety Unit on 0151 666 4914, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- National 24 Hour Domestic Abuse helpline - call free on 0808 2000 247 National Domestic Violence Helpline website
- For signposting and information on how to get support for yourself or a loved one in Wirral visit itsneverokwirral.org.
- Abusive Relationship support and guidance
Other ways you can get help
Local Services
- Tomorrow's Women Wirral - Telephone: 0151 647 7907
Provides a supportive women only environment to help women make positive changes at a pace that is right for them. This includes courses, counselling, mentoring and legal support for women who have experienced domestic abuse. - Involve Northwest - Telephone: 0151 644 1100
Runs the Leapfrog programme which supports small groups of 4 to 6 families. Provides help for young people with behavioural problems including situations of child-on-parent violence and parents who have been victims of domestic abuse. The service supports the delivery of the HELP programme a healthy relationship programme for men with identified relationship difficulties. - Wirral Women and Children’s Aid - Telephone: 0151 643 9766
Provides a bright, friendly refuge for women and their children who need a place of safety, with support to find permanent accommodation, training and employment. Groups are run for women to build self-confidence, self-esteem and self-belief and understand the impact that domestic abuse has had on them and their children. There is an onsite playroom. Play workers provide one-to-one family support, run after-school sessions and child care so mums can attend appointments or groups. The service has a weekly youth club for older children. - WEB Merseyside - Telephone: 0151 653 3771
WEB has been based in Birkenhead for the past 21 years, providing a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental space for women, men and children. WEB provides one to one listening support, confidence building and personal development workshops, holistic therapies, counselling sessions, therapeutic art classes and group activities. - Wirral Children’s Centres
There are children’s centres across the borough which provide activities and support for children under 5 years old and their parents and carers. This includes the 12 week 'Freedom Programme’ which supports women who have been in an abusive relationship. - Freedom Programme
Nationwide Freedom Programme is suitable for women and men, the programme usually lasts for 11 or 12 weeks and is free. - RASA Merseyside
- For anyone who has been sexually abused or raped, or who has been affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives. Telephone: 0151 666 1392, email: helpline@rasamerseyside.org
- Paul Lavelle Foundation - a charity to raise awareness of domestic abuse towards men.
National Services
- Rape Crisis Helpline - 0808 802 9999
- National Centre for Domestic Violence - 0800 970 2070
- Refuge
- Women’s Aid
- Samaritans - 116 123 (UK and ROI)
- Karma Nirvana - 0800 599 9247
- The National Society Prevention of Cruelty to Children - 0808 800 5000
- ChildLine - 0800 1111
Wirral Family Safety Unit
Wirral Family Safety Unit (FSU) is a team of Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA’s). The FSU provides independent and impartial advice to any high risk victim / survivor of domestic abuse.
How can an IDVA help:
- they will listen to you and will believe you
- assess your risk and prioritise your safety
- provide advice and support to help you think through your option
- help you develop your own safety plan
- support you to end an abusive or dangerous relationship safely
- understand the impact domestic abuse has on children and can help you provide them with the support they need
- signpost to other specialist services such as counselling, housing, legal and refuge services, to help increase your safety
- support and explain legal jargon, processes and discuss your option
- ensure other agencies work together to help increase your safety
- support you to make your own decisions that are right for you
For further information please contact the Family Safety Unit on 0151 666 4914.