This White Ribbon Day (25 November 2020), Hampshire County Council is reminding anyone in need of help from domestic abuse that support is readily available, and services remain open to all.

Thousand mark White Ribbon Day  each year to say no to violence against women. MP Maria Miller said, ‘Every case of domestic abuse is a tragedy, but this year has been more difficult than ever, as the added pressures of Covid 19 and national restrictions have added to the feelings of isolation that men and women at risk from domestic abuse face. It’s clear that cases of domestic abuse have increased since the pandemic, and it is crucial that those vulnerable know that help is available and phonelines and refuges are still open, making sure that families and individuals are able to access the help they desperately need.’

Services in Hampshire welcome people of any gender or sexuality recognising that anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse. The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service helpline is on 03300 165 112 and is staffed between 9.30am - 8pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, a voicemail provides alternative numbers to call. There are also instant messenger chats available to anyone who cannot talk out loud – visit the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service pages for further information at https://www.hants.gov.uk/domesticabuse.

Anyone in immediate danger, or who knows someone who is, should call 999 and ask for the Police. In an emergency, if you are unable to speak, dialling 999 and then entering 55 will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to talk. Even during the strictest lockdowns, anyone suffering from domestic abuse can leave their home to seek help.

This White Ribbon Day, and over the following 16 days of action against domestic abuse, the County Council will be using social media to reach out to anyone who could be at risk, across Hampshire.