The UK Government has acknowledged that the order to stay at home can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what the circumstances are.
We would like to make you aware of the support and guidance offered by the University for staff and students, as well as national helplines and services that are still available for referrals.
Guidance for Managers and Staff
Please read this guidance which is for staff who have experienced domestic abuse and also provides advice to their managers and colleagues on steps that can be taken to help them.
Report and Support Tool
All staff and students can report discrimination, misconduct, harassment or assault at home or in the workplace by using this tool. You can report anonymously or get support from an adviser.
You can use this tool to report incidences of physical assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault, online harassment, hate crimes, stalking, bullying or discrimination.
National helplines and services
UK helpline services are still available. Although many have closed their face-to-face services and operating differently in accordance with advice from the UK government, the below services are still open and available for referrals:
- Support for victims of domestic abuse
- Domestic abuse: how to get help which sets out how to recognise domestic abuse, report it, seek help, help a friend if they are being abused, get help from police and further support materials.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline, available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247
- Local Bath Domestic Abuse Support agency – south-side
- Local Bristol Domestic Abuse Support agency - Womankind
- Voices domestic abuse support, a Bath based charity founded in 2014 by women who have experienced Domestic Abuse
- During the lockdown opportunities to make a call safely to seek help may be limited. Refuge has a web form which can be used to request a safe time for a call from a member of the expert helpline team.
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0800 999 5428 Email: help@galop.org.uk
- Women's Aid live chat service
- Men’s Advice Line offers information for male victims: 0808 801 0327
- Support for those concerned about their use of violence and abuse - Respect Phoneline, 0808 8024040
Stalking & cyberstalking
If you have or are experiencing stalking/cyberstalking, or potential stalking/cyberstalking:
- Suzy Lamplugh Trust (UK) National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300 Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm (except Wednesday 1pm to 4pm)
- Cyberbulling UK
You can also refer to our staff and student wellbeing pages for further advice, guidance and support.