Domestic abuse

If you are at risk or someone you know is at risk, please say something!

In the case of an emergency always phone 999.

Alternatively, phone the 24 hour Surrey domestic abuse helpline, 01483 776822, for support and advice.

Surrey Libraries are working with the Surrey Community Safety unit to help reduce domestic violence in Surrey.

Domestic abuse is a very real problem, in 2009/10 Surrey Police dealt with 12,349 incidents of domestic abuse, and since 2000 there have been 27 domestic homicides in Surrey.

But we can help change things…

What is domestic abuse?

The government defines domestic abuse as 'any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.'

Domestic abuse happens regardless of race, sexuality or religion and can affect many different people in a variety of ways. It can be:

• Sexual
• Emotional
• Physical
• Financial
• Violence against men/women/children
• Forced marriage
• Female genital mutilation

How can Surrey libraries help?

We are committed to providing help and support through libraries. We want to support victims of domestic abuse by providing the information and the resources needed in a safe environment.

Use a library computer

If someone is controlling or frightening you then it may be difficult for you to find out about your options or where to find help. Your abuser may monitor your online activity through checking the computer's history or with spy software. It is impossible to completely cover your online tracks.

By using a library computer you will have access to all the information you need, and it is FREE and SAFE.

Reading list

Our reading lists include a list of books about domestic abuse, which contains self-help and memoir titles recommended by professionals.

Have you found any book on domestic abuse particularly helpful? Please tell us about it.

Weblinks

We have a page dedicated to domestic abuse weblinks. Here you will find links to charities or organisations that will be able to offer you help, information and support whatever form of domestic abuse you may be suffering.

If you would like further information about health issues caused by domestic abuse why not try our Read Yourself Well collection or Mental health and wellbeing weblinks.

Healing Words

As part of the domestic abuse awareness work an ebook has been produced featuring work from recent workshops with domestic abuse survivors. You can read their words at the bottom of this page.

For more information

Please see Help and support for survivors of domestic abuse.