For many victims of domestic abuse, the last few weeks may have meant spending time trapped at home with their abuser. However, there are places you can go to in Birmingham for help and support.

Birmingham City Council’s refuges will stay open to provide a safe place for women who are fleeing abuse. Remember, the government have made it clear that no-one is in breach of the ‘stay at home’ rules if they leave the home to avoid domestic abuse.

This week, David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, launched No Excuse for Abuse. Birmingham City Council is working closely with the PCC and our frontline domestic abuse organisations to make sure this vital message is heard loud and clear across all of our communities. You can access support through West Midlands Police and report abuse on their website here.

Here are some of the charities and organisations that support domestic abuse victims:

Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid
0808 800 0028
www.bswaid.org
Women’s Aid have also launched an chat service you can find here.

Roshni (Birmingham) https://roshnibirmingham.org.uk/

Birmingham LGBT Domestic Abuse Service
0121 643 0821
www.blgbt.org

English National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
For Help Text ‘NCDV’ to 60777

Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Birmingham Housing Options Hub:
0808 169 9604

Birmingham Council Housing
0121 303 7410 or 0121 303 2296/4806
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk

Adult Social Care
0121 303 1234 or 0121 675 4806

Children’s Social Care
0121 303 1888 or 0121 675 4806
A full list of regional charities can be found on West Midlands Police’s website:

We also know that children often suffer in households where there is domestic abuse. If you are concerned about a child, you can get advice, Live Chat our staff and report abuse to us using this link.

Alternatively you can talk to the NSPCC.

If someone is in immediate danger and their life is threatened, they should dial 999 and we will get officers to them as soon as possible. If they cannot talk they can make a silent 999 call by typing 55 after the call is answered.Domestic abuse can be reported to West Midlands Police using their website. It’s easy to use and there is a chat service which could be safer to use than calling.

At a time when calls to domestic abuse helplines have risen by 25%, Birmingham Labour Group supports the calls by our Shadow Home Secretary for the government to provide emergency funding for charities on the front line dealing with this crisis. Watch Birmingham Yardley MP and Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding Jess Phillips talking about the need for emergency accommodation and more funding on Robert Peston’s ITV show here.