As part of the 16 days of action against domestic abuse, together with EDAN Lincs (End Domestic Abuse Now) Police have created a video to convey what abuse is and how to get support. 

EDAN Lincs, the countywide specialist domestic abuse service and a potential lifeline for those experiencing abuse, will remain working through tier three Covid19 restrictions.  

Ann, a Senior Specialist Domestic Abuse Worker with EDAN Lincs said: “Being in an abusive relationship can have a serious impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing. Your self-esteem and confidence can be at rock bottom, to the point where you no longer trust yourself and where you blame yourself for your partner’s behaviour. It becomes your norm and you start to minimise what is happening.

“During this difficult time of tier three restrictions there will be many people who are trapped with their abuser in a home that they no longer feel safe in. They will feel that they have no hope for things to get better. The timing of this video is crucial to support those who are struggling and to let them know that there is hope and support out there, that they can be free.”

Detective Supt Martyn Parker, Head of Protecting Vulnerable People at Lincolnshire Police said: “EDAN Lincs is a potentially lifesaving service for those enduring domestic abuse. As the restrictions on the County continue, it’s important that we do whatever we can to help promote this service and keep people safe.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and it can take many forms, not all involving physical violence. This is about helping people to recognise what abuse is and conveying the message that no one should have to live in fear. Getting support can be an extremely daunting step to take and our aim with this video is to reassure people that it will be worth taking.”

The video will be made available to officers on their mobile devices so they can show it to victims when they attend a domestic abuse incident. Our Officers will be asking victims to consider a referral to EDAN Lincs so they can get the help they need. Those who decline a referral will be left contact details for EDAN Lincs so they have an opportunity think it over and make contact at a later time.

We know that not everyone chooses to report an incident of abuse to the Police and we want to make sure we also reach those people with this information on the potentially lifesaving service that is EDAN Lincs. We will be promoting the video on social media and ask communities to support us with shares and retweets.   

End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) Lincolnshire are available on 01522 510041. Helping all women, men and children experiencing domestic abuse. Lincolnshire’s Domestic Abuse Support Service now have an online chat function on their website. It is available between Monday and Friday 10am to 12pm. The Chat function allows someone to chat with a support worker at EDAN Lincs virtually, which can often be easier for some people to make that first step.

Where to get help 

If you or your children are in immediate danger you should always call 999. If it is not safe to speak we use ‘silent solutions’. Press 5 5 when prompted and this will tell us that you need us.

If you don’t want to call us there are also other specialist domestic abuse services available:

• The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a 24hr Freephone available on 0808 2000 247 operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The Safe Lives portal provides advice for victims and professionals. 
• Galop – the national LGBT+ anti-violence charity are available on 0800 999 5428.
• If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, Childline is available on 0800 1111. 
• The Men’s Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse and can be reached on 0808 8010327. 
• Safe spaces are available in UK pharmacies including Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and many independent pharmacies. Go to the healthcare counter and ask to use the safe space where you can access support.

If you are worried about your own behaviour

At home shouldn’t mean at risk. There is no excuse for abuse. If you are worried about your behaviour, get help.

Call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 or use webchat on the Respect website.

In Lincolnshire we also have Make a Change – contact 01522 246616  or email: info@makeachangelincs.org.uk

Video

Lincolnshire Police and EDAN Lincs video on domestic abuse

Life free from domestic abuse.