'Seen something? Say something!'
If you are at risk or suspect someone is at risk ...please say something!
In an emergency, dial 999 for the police or contact Adult Social Care. Outside of office hours (5pm to 9am), contact our Emergency Duty Team
Alternatively, phone the 24 hour Surrey domestic abuse helpline, 01483 776822, for support and advice.
Surrey libraries have joined in partnership with Surrey Against Domestic Abuse to help reduce domestic abuse in Surrey.
Domestic abuse is a very real problem. There are over 1000 reports of domestic abuse to Surrey Police each month – 16% of their work. Nationally, 84 women and 30 men die annually in a domestic abuse related incident.
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
- Financial – when someone takes or controls your money
- 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.
Healthy Surrey also has a section on domestic abuse.
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.
Libraries Change Lives video explores the work that Surrey libraries' have been doing and will continue to do in the future.
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: by using one you will have access to all the information you need, and it is free and safe.
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. Help and support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Surrey.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline. For women and children.
- Galop. LGBT+ anti-violence charity.
- Karma Nirvana supports victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
- Surviving Economic Abuse. Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) is the only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of economic abuse and transforming responses to it.
- Rape Crisis England & Wales is a network of independent rape crisis centres. They provide specialist support and services for victims and survivors of sexual violence.
- Respect provides help for domestic violence perpetrators.
- Mankind initiative helps men escape domestic abuse.
- Mens Advice Line UK is a domestic abuse helpline for men.
