Domestic abuse

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religious belief, sexuality or background. It causes significant harm to individuals, children, families, and communities.

Domestic abuse does not only occur between couples within an intimate relationship, but it can also be between a parent and a child or an ex-partner or other family members. It can go unidentified by agencies, families and friends, and even victim/survivors themselves often don't recognise the behaviour they are experiencing is domestic abuse. It is often hidden, and mainly occurs behind closed doors. Domestic abuse is not just physical violence, it can be emotional, psychological, economic or sexual abuse. Overarching the types of abusive behaviours is often coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence).  Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation.

Quick exit If you need to leave this page quickly.

Help, advice and support for those who are experiencing domestic abuse or have experienced domestic abuse

Help,  advice and support is available across Lancashire, please see the information below for helplines, Live Chat and safe accommodation. The following providers also offer a range of community-based services such as practical and emotional support for adults, children and young people through outreach and group work.

Domestic Abuse Support Service Lancashire (DASSL)

0300 3033 581 Free phone (24hours a day 7 days a week)
Email: contact@dassl.org.uk - Live chat.

Quick exit If you need to leave this page quickly.

The service offers immediate support in safe accommodation to victims of domestic abuse with a single point of access to accept referrals from across Lancashire. The service includes outreach support for trans-nonbinary victim's as well as male victims and specialist support for children and support for black and minority ethnic victims.

Lancashire Victims Services Tel: 0300 323 0085  (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) Email: info@lancashirevictimservices.org - Live chat.

Lancashire Victims Services offers you support when you need – it doesn’t matter if the crime has just occurred or if it happened several years ago. Support will be available when you’re ready for it. Lancashire Victims Service provides IDVA (Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate) support to victims and their children.

Preston Domestic Violence Services: Helpline 01772 201601 or visit visit Preston Domestic Violence Services or email hope@pdvs.org.uk  Providing outreach support to adults and children in Preston.

Support for young people in Lancashire

Youth Zone website or contact the Helpline 0800 51 11 11 Text 07786 51 11 11

Domestic Abuse Support Service Lancashire - Children and Young People's Outreach

Help and Support if you live in Blackburn with Darwin and Blackpool

Quick exit If you need to leave this page quickly.

Blackburn with Darwen

The Wish Centre  01254 260465 or email: info@thewishcentre.org , provide a range of services for different support needs , including refuge , outreach and recovery programmes.

Humraaz Office hours 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday 01254 695800 info@humraaz.org.uk . Hamraaz Support Service provides confidential specialist support to Black and Minority Ethnic women who are experiencing Domestic Abuse and all forms of Harmful Traditional Practices.

Blackpool

Fylde Coast Women's Aid - Call FCWA helpline 01253 596699, email info@fcwa.co.uk or visit Fylde Coast Women's Aid website . FCWA have a male IDVA to specifically support male victims of domestic abuse. 

The Den @ Empowerment Charity - believe that all children and young people should be given the best opportunity to thrive in life, regardless of their experiences. The Children’s IDVA service offers specialist emotional and practical support to children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

Help, advice and support for those who are concerned about their own behaviour or that of others.

Quick exit If you need to leave this page quickly.

Lancashire

Lancashire County Council commission The Wish Centre to deliver the Parachute Programme an early intervention and prevention programme for 11–19-year-olds who are displaying harmful behaviours in their own relationships. Delivered across  Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen)  over 10 weeks on a 1-1 basis,  using community venues and schools The Wish Centre deliver this in a non-judgemental and trauma informed way. Contact The Wish Centre on 01254 260465 or visit the website The Parachute Programme

National

The Respect Phoneline is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them. We support men and women who are using abuse, in same-sex or heterosexual relationships. Our team of friendly Advisors will listen to you without judgement and offer you honest advice to help you stop being violent. We also offer advice to concerned friends and family members, as well as frontline workers who work with perpetrators.

Other Support Services Available

Quick exit If you need to leave this page quickly.