“Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses you are under”

The Government have provided clear guidelines about social distancing– Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save lives!

The Government also recognises that social distancing may cause anxiety for those who are, have been or are at risk of experiencing domestic abuse which includes (but not exhaustively):

• Physical harm/ abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Online abuse
• Economic or financial abuse
• Online or remote abuse
• Coercive, controlling abuse or ‘gaslighting’

The Government encourages those who are, or are at risk of, or you suspect are experiencing domestic abuse to seek support from organisations including:

• The police – for immediate danger call 999, if you are unable to talk due to danger please then press 55
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline 08082000247
• Womens Aid www.womensaid.org.uk
• Mens Advice Line 08088010327
• Galop (for memebers of the LGBT+ community) 08009995428
• Surviving economic abuse www.survivingeconomicabuse.org
• Hestia www.hestia.org
• Along with local charitable organisations in your area such as NIDAS

Midlands Dove Mediation have and always will prioritise the safety of those wishing to participate within the Mediation process. Where it is suitable and participants are willing, we are able to offer confidential remote meetings, to empower individuals to safely discuss arrangements for the care of their children or how they may be able to maintain a quality relationship safely with family members, how and when their joint assets can be used, who will maintain joint responsibilities such as monthly mortgage payments , along with other issues, during this time of social distancing.

If you wish to have further information in relation to the remote services we are able to offer please visit our website www.midlandsdove.co.uk or email us at enquiries@midlandsdove.co.uk and our experienced co-ordinators will contact you.