Worried about someone? Support is available
Are you or someone you know being frightened, controlled, hurt, or abused by a partner or family member? Help and support is available.
For independent and confidential support or guidance around domestic abuse, you can contact the Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline provided by Your Sanctuary on 01483 776822 (9am to 9pm, 7 days a week) or visit the Surrey Against Domestic Abuse website.
If the concern relates to an adult with care and support needs, you can contact Adult Social Care for advice or to raise a concern.
If anyone is in immediate danger, always call 999 and ask for the police.
Surrey Libraries are working in partnership with the Surrey Against Domestic Abuse partnership to help prevent and reduce domestic abuse across our communities. Latest national data shows that approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in the UK have experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is about power and control and can take many forms:
- Physical – including being hit, slapped, kicked or attacked
- Sexual – being forced or coerced into sexual acts which make you uncomfortable or scared
- Emotional – being ridiculed, constantly criticised, made to feel bad or threatened
- Psychological – being gaslighted or made question your reality
- Financial – when someone takes or controls your money or forces you into debt Isolation
- Isolation – when someone controls who you see, talk to and when you go out
Domestic abuse occurs regardless of sex, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, religion or physical or mental ability.
Surrey Against Domestic Abuse website has practical information on how to get help and keeping yourself and your children safe.
How can Surrey libraries help?
We are committed to providing help through our libraries. Our aim is to support those affected by domestic abuse by providing information and resources in a safe, welcoming 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 can monitor your online activity through checking your computer's history or with spy software, making it impossible to completely cover your online tracks.
A library computer can't be monitored. You can use a computer in any of our libraries safely for free to access all the information you need.
You can also use a library computer to access the Your Sanctuary confidential online chat to speak to an advisor Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm. This service enables you to get advice, signposting and information just as you would over the phone.
Support, information and advice
If you, or someone you know are in need of support or advice these links may be helpful:
Surrey Against Domestic Abuse website. Help and support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Surrey.
National helplines
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline. For women and children.
- Galop. LGBT+ anti-violence charity.
- Karma Nirvana supports victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
- Rape Crisis England and Wales is a network of independent rape crisis centres. They provide specialist support and services for victims and survivors of sexual violence.
- Hourglass. Supporting older victims of abuse and neglect.
- Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Helpline for victims of stalking.
- Mankind initiative helps men escape domestic abuse.
- Mens Advice Line UK is a domestic abuse helpline for men.
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Support for child victim-survivors and adults supporting them.
- Surviving Economic Abuse. Support for victims of economic abuse, including financial support helpline.
- Respect provides help for domestic violence perpetrators.