YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO LIVE WITHOUT VIOLENCE
 
What is domestic violence?
" Domestic violence includes any form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse between people in a close relationship. It can take a number of forms such as physical assault, sexual abuse, rape, threats and intimidation. It may even be accompanied by other kinds of intimidation, such as degradation, mental and verbal abuse, humiliation, deprivation, systematic criticism and belittling. Usually the abuser is male and the victim is female."
( Definition from Home Office Inter Agency Circular 1995)
 
The most harmful abuse is carried out by men against women partners, but abuse can also be carried out by women against men, within same sex relationships and by family members.
People experience domestic violence regardless of their social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality or lifestyle. Abuse can begin at any time - during a current relationship or at any time after a relationship has ceased.
 
The consequences for many women is not just physical injury, but - more difficult to repair - is the emotional and psychological damage which destroys confidence, self esteem and self worth, and can cause long term health and social problems.
You may be experiencing domestic violence in a relationship, or know someone who is. There is help available.
 

SURVIVAL GUIDE
WHAT TO DO IN A CRISIS
 
1. Plan an emergency escape and get your neighbour's support if possible.
2. Keep money saved for taxis, bus fares and telephone calls.
3. Make sure you have your own key to the house.
4. Have clothes ready for you and your children in case of a quick getaway.
5. Get the telephone numbers of your nearest Women's Aid Group.
6. Make sure you have important documents, your child benefit book, marriage and birth certificates, passports with you when you leave.
 

 
WHAT TO DO IN A CRISIS 24 HOUR CONTACT AND SUPPORT
 
POLICE ACTION 999 or 0161 872 5050
 
FORTALICE - BOLTON WOMEN'S AID - for emergency accommodation 01204 523476
 
SOCIAL SERVICES - EMERGENCY DUTY TEAM
6.00pm-9.00am can be contacted through the Police.
 
SAMARITANS CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE - direct contact with Women's Aid 0345 909090
 
CHILDLINE - free national helpline for children in trouble or
danger 0800 1111
 

DAYTIME CONTACT AND SUPPORT
9.00am - 5.00pm MONDAY TO FRIDAY
 
FORTALICE - for help, counselling and advice 01204 523476 or 01204 365677
 
HOMELESS WELFARE - Housing department, emergency accommodation, re-housing and advice 01204 335830
 
POLICE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT ( Bolton ) - advice and support 0161 856 5788
 
PHOENIX PROJECT - provide a safe and confidential support service for Asian women and children 01204 848966
 
VICTIM SUPPORT - advice, support and counselling
01204 399736
 
WOMEN'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE - Manchester - advice, counselling and support 10am - 4pm 0161 839 8574
 
WOMEN'S AID 24HR HELPLINE 0808 2000 247
 
SOCIAL SERVICES - ask for Duty Social Worker - advice, assistance and support 01204 333333
 
PROBATION SERVICE - advice and support 01204 387699
 
MANCHESTER GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD - advice and support 4pm - 10pm (7 days) 0161 274 3999