Help's available for people in Lancashire who are experiencing domestic abuse and would like advice, support or just someone to talk to.

During the coronavirus pandemic domestic abuse support services have experienced an increase in demand, and Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is reminding everyone that support is available to victims during this time.

Its safeguarding team works closely with partners to ensure a coordinated response to domestic abuse, including Police, children and adult social care and domestic abuse provider agencies.

Bridgett Welch, Associate Director of Safeguarding at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust said: "This is a difficult time for everyone spending extra time indoors who experiences some form of abuse at home," adding: “There are many signs and forms of domestic abuse, all related to having control over a person such as making unreasonable demands, isolating someone from friends or family members and making threats. The behaviours would not always be classed as violent and it’s not always easy to spot the signs or recognise when to get help and support.

“Domestic abuse can be any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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.

“There’s not a single person out there who should go through it alone – we are here to help.”

Domestic abuse services provide a wide range of information and support including refuge accommodation, helplines, outreach support, floating support, resettlement support, specialist children and young people services, domestic abuse advocates and drop in support.

Bridgett concluded: "You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If domestic abuse is happening to you, it’s important to tell someone and remember you’re not alone.”

Local domestic abuse support services available include:

Lancashire Victim Support 0300 323 0085 www.lancashirevictimservices.org, Lancashire Constabulary https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk Call: 101 (non-urgent) Call: 999 (urgent) NEST Lancashire (support for children & young people who have witnessed or heard domestic abuse) 0300 111 0323 https://nestlancashire.org