Try your best to speak to someone about what you are experiencing.
Opening up to discuss that this is happening to you is really tough, but it could be the first step towards bringing this to an end.
You may feel overwhelmed, isolated and scared. It’s important to know that you're not alone. Despite feeling like that, there is a lot of help and support out there. We are here to help you reach that support, in a safe space.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak and are calling on a mobile, press 55 to have your call transferred to the police. Find out how to call the police when you can’t speak.
Ask if you can have a confidential chat in a meeting room with a line manager, or contact People Support (HR).
Find out how to get help if you're a victim of domestic abuse on GOV.UK, which also lists domestic abuse hotlines.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a freephone 24-hour helpline which provides advice and support to women and can refer them to emergency accommodation.
The Men's Advice Line and Mankind are helplines for male victims of domestic abuse.
Support for Essex residents
For specialist domestic abuse support, contact:
- the Essex Domestic Abuse helpline on 0330 333 7444, available from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and from 8am to 1pm on weekends
- Essex Compass for a comprehensive list of support organisations and to make a self-referral or professional referral for support
- Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership (SETDAB), for advice and information on services for those affected by domestic abuse
- Essex County Council to report abuse or neglect
These resources include support for victims, professionals, and perpetrators.
Support for employees
As an employee at Essex County Council, you can:
- join the Women's Network or the Men's Employee Network for peer support, information sharing and signposting to support organisations
- find articles and training on safety in our learning and development section
- read the supporting professionals experiencing domestic abuse guidance on the SETDAB website