With social distancing and self-isolation in place, as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, many women and children will face increased risk of abuse and violence and will find accessing support even harder. In line with government advice and in response to this public health emergency, Advance and our partners across services have had to adapt the way we work, to ensure help continues to be available to every woman and child that need support.
Please note that, in line with government guidelines, you are legally permitted to leave a Tier 4 area to:
- attend hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health
- provide emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm (such as domestic abuse)
Do you need help?
We remain open throughout the holiday period, except for Bank holidays (we are closed 25th and 28th December and 1st January)
Our Domestic Abuse Helplines, for those experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of gender violence are open and can be accessed as before. Our staff are now working remotely, responding to calls and emails, aiming to limit any disruption. Details on how to access help are at http://advancecharity.org.uk/get-help/
Open: Mon – Fri 10am-6pm
Tel: 020 8741 7008
Email: angelou@advancecharity.org.uk
Our Minerva helpline for women and girls involved in the criminal justice system is also open. We offer support to those who, recently or in the past, have had a conviction or caution, and need to access practical and emotional support. Details on how to access help are at http://advancecharity.org.uk/get-help/
Open: Mon – Fri 9am-5pm
Tel: 020 8563 2225
Email: minerva_admin@advancecharity.org.uk
Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline
Tel: 0808 2000 247
Email www.NationalDomesticViolenceHelpline.org.uk
In an emergency, call 999
Our Women Centres and Groups
We have had to adapt our Women Centres and Groups to ensure help continues to be available and women remain connected during this time.
We are holding virtual sessions conducted in a safe, respectful, and confidential way, creating accessible service for women, both for the current circumstances and potentially the future.
For information please find our programme of activities here: http://www.advancecharity.org.uk/womens-centres/
Are you referring someone?
If you are a professional, including the Police, Social Care, Housing, Health, Probation and other partner agencies, and are referring someone to our services, you can find details on how to contact us here http://advancecharity.org.uk/get-help/
Join us and support our work
Do you believe in a world in which women and children lead safe, equal, violence-free lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society? Please join us to help women and children to be safe; find out more about how your support will make change lives and make a donation here: http://www.advancecharity.org.uk/donate/
