Hi there, as women’s officer, I would like to take some time for each newsletter to focus on a subject regarding issues relating to women, either directly or indirectly related to our working lives.
The pandemic has been hard on us all, yet it has been especially difficult for those living and working within the home, surrounded by the threat of domestic abuse.
Support organisations have seen an escalation of users accessing their services. They are still there, and ready to help.
For those seeking it, there are several ways in which to gain support and help in less obvious ways than a phone call in a compromised location.
The Bright Sky app – https://www.hestia.org/brightsky – looks like a weather app and has info both for those experiencing domestic abuse, and people who might be concerned about someone else. It has a directory of services available nearby.
Please consider if the mobile phone is being monitored before downloading.
‘Silent Solution’. If you are in danger, but unable to talk, or disclose you are talking to emergency services, you can dial 999 in the normal way, then press ‘55’ instead of talking. You will be transferred to the police, who will guide you through either yes and no answers or asking you to type your response.
Iphones have a SOS feature, where you can share your location with police. The article below gives instructions – https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/emergency-iphone-sos-police-b1815887.html
Ask for Ani (Action Needed Immediately) is a government scheme, where support can be sought in a pharmacy by asking Ani. Participating pharmacies should have posters advertising the service.
Anna Wiggins