Sadly, domestic abuse can increase at times when families are at home together.

If you need help you can call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, in confidence on 0808 2000 247. You can call them at any time.

In an emergency, call 999.

• If you are calling 999 from a mobile phone and you are unable to speak once you are through press 55 and the operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency. The police call handler will then ask you a series of simple yes/no questions. If you’re still not able to speak, listen to the instructions you are given so the handler can assess your call and send help. Please note that calling from a mobile does not allow the police to track your location.
• If you are calling from a landline, pressing ‘55’ will not work. If you can’t speak you should stay on the line and the operator will connect you to a police call handler. If you need to put the phone down, the line will stay open for 45 seconds. If you pick it up again during this time and the operator is concerned for your safety, they will put you through to a police call handler. Calling 999 from a landline means the police may be able to retrieve information on your location to send help.

You can also contact the helpline at https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us