Violence and Abuse

Child Abuse

Childline - 0800 1111 If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 400 222
Free 24 hour helpline for children and young people. http://www.childline.org.uk/ (external link) You can also write to ChildLine, Freepost NATN 1111, London E1 6BR.

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline - 0800 800 5000
If you have difficulty in hearing or in using a regular phone try the textphone service on 0800 056 0566

If you're concerned about the safety of a child the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 is a free, confidential, 24 hour helpline available every day of the year. A free textphone service is in place for people who are hard of hearing on 0800 056 0566. There's also an e-mail helpline, send messages to help@nspcc.org.uk or visit the website at http://www.nspcc.org.uk/ (external link)

Victim Supportline - 0845 30 30 900

If someone has been violent towards you in any way you can call Victim Supportline in confidence. You might not want to involve the police but want someone to listen to how you feel. If you do want to go to the police, they can help you deal with this and can accompany you at court. Call them on 0845 30 30 900 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9am-7pm). You can also e-mail them at info@victimsupport.org.uk or visit their website at http://www.victimsupport.org/ (external link)

Voice UK - 0870 013 3965

Voice UK provides telephone support for adults and children with learning disabilities who have been abused, and for their families and carers. Call their national rate number on 0870 013 3965 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-4pm). Or you can visit their website at http://www.voiceuk.org.uk (external link).

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) - 0800 085 3330
The National Association for People Abused in Childhood provides support no matter how long ago the abuse took place. Call their free helpline 0800 085 3330 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-1pm).

NCH - 08457 626 579
Contact details for NCH, an organisation which helps children at risk or in care, vulnerable young people and families under pressure - http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/  (external link)

Stop It Now! - 0808 1000 900

Stop It Now! is a campaign that advises anyone who has abused, or have thought about abusing a child. They also support the family and friends of abusers. The campaign encourages abusers to recognise their behaviour problems and seek help to change. Call their confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900 (Mondays to Thursdays 9am-9pm, Fridays 9am-7pm). You can also go to their website at http://www.stopitnow.org.uk/ (external link).

Domestic Violence

In an emergency, you should call the police on 999 (minicom 0800 112 999). Domestic violence is treated very seriously by the police and the courts.

You can also call the 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

There are other people and organisations you can turn to if you are suffering from domestic violence. These can include your GP, local support groups and charities.

• http://www.womensaid.org.uk/ (external link)
• http://www.refuge.org.uk/ (external link)

Mankind Initiative - 0870 794 4124

The Mankind Initiative supports male victims of domestic violence, though they help all callers regardless of sex, race or sexual orientation. Call 0870 794 4124 anytime to receive up-to-date information on helpline availability, or checkout service availability at their website http://www.mankind.org.uk/ (external link)

Men's Aid

Men's Aid provide support, practical information, advice on solicitors and local domestic abuse projects, to male sufferers of domestic violence. They will also support female victims of domestic violence as well as advising the perpetrators of this violence. you can contact them by e-mail to support@mensaid.org or check out their website at http://www.mensaid.org/ (external link)

Victim Supportline - 0845 30 30 900

If someone has been violent towards you in any way you can call Victim Supportline in confidence. You might not want to involve the police but want someone to listen to how you feel. If you do want to go to the police, they can help you deal with this and can accompany you at court. Call them on 0845 30 30 900 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9am-7pm). You can also e-mail them at info@victimsupport.org.uk or visit their website at http://www.victimsupport.org/ (external link)

Everyman Project - 0207 263 8884

The Everyman Project runs a helpline for anyone concerned about a man's violence and confidential counselling for violent men who want to change. Call 0207 263 8884 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays 7.30pm-9pm)

Rape and Sexual Abuse

Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre offers support and information for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused, however long ago. Call their local rate helpline 0845 1221 331 (Mondays to Fridays 12pm-2.30pm, 7pm-9.30pm, weekends and bank holidays 2.30pm-5pm).

Rape Crisis

The Rape Crisis website contains information on what to expect when you go to the police or about court procedures. http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk (external link)

Survivors UK - 0845 1221 201

If you're a man who's been raped or sexually abused, or who's trying to cope with the abuse of someone close to you, the organisation Survivors UK runs a helpline on the local rate number 0845 1221 201 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm-10pm). You can also visit their website at http://www.survivorsuk.org.uk/ (external link)

These are only a small selection of the helplines available.  If you know of a helpline you would like to see promoted on these pages, please email us at webmaster@chester.gov.uk.