Joining the fight against domestic violence. Alter Ego is a programme aired every Monday 10 till 12noon on Pamtengo radio. This programme is designed to create awareness and educate anyone in the community who is subjected to domestic violence. Our main concern is to reach out the those individuals who are struggling to communicate due to language barriers.
Domestic violence is officially classified as “any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality”.
We think of domestic violence as hitting, slapping and beating, but it can also include emotional abuse as well as forced marriage and so-called “honour crimes”.
It’s abuse if your partner or a family member:
•threatens you
•shoves or pushes you
•makes you fear for your physical safety
•puts you down, or attempts to undermine your self-esteem
•controls you, for example by stopping you seeing your friends and family
•is jealous and possessive, such as being suspicious of your friendships and conversations
•frightens you
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Where can you get help?
You don’t have to wait for an emergency situation to seek help. You can:
•talk to your doctor, health visitor or midwife , send a message via text to us here on Alter Ego or via our facebook page.
•call 0808 2000 247 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0808 2000 247 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting, the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge (calls from a landline are free)
if you threaten danger immediately call the police at 999 . When the connection to the operator say “police” and enter your address. Even if you will not be able to explain what was going on patrol will be on the way.
You can also call the English helpline number:
0808 2000 247
Free-clock Helpline for Victims of Domestic Violence
(National Domestic Violence Helpline)
conducted through the cooperation of the Women’s Aid and Refuge
Call to this number are free from mobile homes and public telephone booths. This is not so in the case of mobile phones.
Calling C under this number can women and children who experience domestic violence. Use it can also be people who know the victims of violence and want for them to get information, and those who are providing assistance in this area deal with professionally.
People who do not know English, you can ask for an interpreter. This service is free. When you connect, say, “I need a translator for English” (I need a Polish translator) and enter your phone number. Advisor connects to the interpreter and call you back, and keep the translator will translate the conversation.
If you decide to leave
The first step in escaping an abusive situation is realising that you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. Try to get advice from an organisation such as Women’s Aid or Refuge before you go.
If you’re considering leaving, be careful who you tell. It’s important that your partner doesn’t know where you’re going. Planning is very important. If you decide to leave, it will help to take:
- documents, including birth certificates for your children, passports, any medical records, benefits books, and mortgage or rent details
- your address book
- house keys
- if you have young children: baby items, some clothes and a special toy for each child
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INFORMATION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE