If you, or anyone else, is at immediate risk of harm, phone the police on 999.
The silent solution: If you can’t speak or make a sound when calling 999, listen to the operator's questions, then tap the handset. If prompted, press 55. Your call will be transferred to police who will know it’s an emergency.
As a Partnership, we understand that men, women, transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals have different needs, and our response will be appropriate to your need. It is important to us that all survivors of domestic abuse are provided with appropriate and tailored support in order to rebuild their lives.
There is a range of support available to help you whether you are currently experiencing domestic abuse or have recently left an abusive relationship.
Organisation | Contact Details |
Police ( If you are in immediate danger) | 999 |
Police ( Non Emergency) | 101 |
Local Sefton Services | |
Sefton Domestic Abuse Service Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm A local helpline for anyone affected by domestic abuse, trained staff can offer practical and emotional advice and support and link you with a range of services depending on your situation. |
0151 394 1400 |
RASA Merseyside - Here for anyone who has been sexually abused or raped RASA provide essential crisis and therapeutic support to individuals of all ages who have been affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives, specialised counselling, support and an Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) service, which includes support through the Criminal Justice process, the opportunity to give anonymous intelligence in relation to sexual violence if an individual does not want to make a formal complaint. |
0151 558 1801 |
National services | |
Home | Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk) A national service for women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends colleagues and others calling on their behalf. |
0808 2000 247 24 hours a day |
ManKind Initiative - Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Information about reporting incidents, planning an escape and police procedures for male victims of domestic abuse |
01823 334244 |
Galop - the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Telephone and online chat support with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender domestic abuse. |
0800 999 5428 |
Information about reporting stalking or harassment, effective gathering of evidence and ensuring your personal safety. |
0808 802 0300 |
www.wearehourglass.org The Hourglass helpline is a national service dedicated to helping those effected by the abuse of older people. Whether that’s an older person who feels threatened or unsafe at home, or a friend of family member concerned about the wellbeing of a loved one, the helpline provides support and advice |
0808 8088141 |
Add www.saverauk.co.uk Savera UK is a charity working to end ‘honour’- based abuse (HBA) and other culturally specific abuse and harmful practices. |
0800 107 0726 |
What are your legal rights and protections?
Domestic abuse in any form is not acceptable. If you are afraid of your current or previous partner or a family member, and their actions, then you have a legal right to be protected by the law.
Your legal options include:
Rights under criminal law – even if you are assaulted by someone you know or live with, this is still just as much a crime as being attacked by a stranger.
Applying for a civil court order - a court order will tell your abuser to stop harassing or harming you, or it could ask them to keep out or away from your home.
For further information visit Domestic Violence Charges · Information Guide · NCDV
Clare’s Law
The right to know if your partner has an abusive past
Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is a police policy giving people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse. They will not be made aware that you have requested this information.
The scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009. It was formally rolled out in England and Wales in 2014, following the landmark campaign led by Clare’s father Michael Brown.
Under Clare’s Law, you have the right to:
-Make an application to the police requesting information about your current or ex-partner, because you are worried they may have been abusive in the past and believe they may pose a risk to you in future.
-Request information from the police about the current or ex-partner of a close friend, neighbour or family member, because you are concerned that they might be at risk of domestic abuse in future.
This is called the ‘right to ask.’ You have a right to ask the police no matter if your enquiry relates to a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, as long as you are aged 16 or older. You also have the right to ask about a partner regardless of your (or your neighbour, friend or family member’s) gender identity, ethnicity, race, religion or other characteristics.
You also have the ‘right to know’. This means that if police checks show that your current or ex-partner has a record of violent or abusive behaviour, and they believe you may be at risk, they may decide to proactively share that information with you. If you’re worried that your current or former partner has been abusive or violent in the past, Clare’s Law was created to formally give you the right to find out.
If you live in Sefton you can visit Merseyside Police Domestic Abuse Website to submit a request under the scheme.
Sefton Da Risk Tool 2023 | (word 489KB) |