Help if you are worried about abuse

Domestic Violence
  • Are you ever scared of your partner or ex-partner?
  • Are you afraid of giving your opinion?
  • Does your partner constantly belittle or humiliate you?
  • Has your partner ever deliberately withheld money or affection?
  • Have you been threatened or hit?
  • Are you forced to do things you don't want to or like?
  • Is your partner jealous and possessive of you, controlling where you go and who you can see?

Domestic violence doesn't always mean physical violence. An abusive relationship may include any of these behaviours and many other forms of emotional abuse and controlling behaviour.

Statistics show that the perpetrator is most often male and the victim female, although domestic violence can be present in lesbian, gay, bi sexual and transgender relationships and heterosexual men can also be abused by their family or partner.

Domestic violence is never the fault of the victim and it is never acceptable.

Support

If you are in immediate danger, call the police 999.

The police take domestic violence very seriously, will work to make you safe and are able to refer you to other agencies who can also offer ongoing support.

Refuges, providing safe accommodation across the city, can be contacted through one number:
Birmingham Domestic Abuse Refuge line - 0800 111 4223

For advice, or if you’re worried about a friend, Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid helpline can be contacted, or see www.bswaid.org
Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid helpline - 0800 0732 606

The ‘National 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline’ provides information and help for people experiencing domestic violence and their supporters, 24 hours a day:
National Domestic Violence Helpline www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/   0808 2000 247

If you are a male victim of domestic violence, contact:
MALE (Men's Advice Line and Enquiries) www.mensadviceline.org.uk 0808 801 0327

Specialist support for men and women in a gay, bisexual or transgender relationship can contact:
Broken Rainbow www.broken-rainbow.org.uk 0300 999 5428

You can download a ‘Survivor Guide’ www.bvawb.org/resources/survivor.html which contains helpful information and details of support services in Birmingham. Details as of February 2011.

Forced Marriage

FGM

‘Female genital mutilation’ or ‘female genital cutting’ is illegal and is a form of child abuse when affecting those under 18. If you would like support or advice relating to FGM you can contact the police and the following agencies:

  • Birmingham Against FGM [link TBC]
  • Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid FGM project 0121 685 8687 ext 456
  • Horn of Africa Clinic, Heartlands Hospital 0121 424 0730
  • Children’s Social Care, Birmingham City Council www.birmingham.gov.uk/contact-childrens-care - local teams listed on the website
  • Forward www.forwarduk.org.uk – national FGM charity – 0208 9604000
Rape and Sexual Violence

Help and support is available for those affected by sexual violence. As well as the police, you can contact the following for support

Women exploited through prostitution

For support relating to the effects of prostitution:

  • Anawim
    Supporting women, including those involved in prostitution and the criminal justice system 0121 440 5296
  • SAFE [http://www.safe.wmids.nhs.uk/ ] seeking to promote the health and wellbeing those working in the commercial sex industry 0121 440 6655