Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone, including students. It can take many forms and isn’t always physical violence.
Domestic violence can include controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional or psychological abuse, threats, physical or sexual abuse, financial control, stalking, harassment, or abuse through phones and social media. It can be carried out by a partner or ex-partner, family member or carer.
You might be experiencing domestic violence yourself, or you might be worried about something happening to a friend, housemate or someone you know. It isn’t your fault, and you don’t have to deal with it alone.
Support at Manchester
If you have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, the University of Manchester’s Advice & Response service can provide you with support and guidance. You can submit a referral to the service by using their online Report + Support platform.
Through Report + Support you can:
- Speak to a specialist advisor for confidential, practical and emotional support. This doesn’t automatically start a formal reporting process.
- Report anonymously if you don’t want to share your identity.
- Get help understanding your options and deciding what, if anything, you want to do next.
You remain in control of what happens next, and you can access support without making a formal report.
If you’re supporting someone else
If someone tells you they are experiencing domestic violence, you don’t need to have all the answers. Listen, take them seriously and ask what support they would like. Try not to pressure them to take an action they aren’t ready for.
You can also use Report + Support to seek advice about supporting someone else.
Further support
You can also contact a specialist helpline for free, confidential support:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247. Open 24 hours a day for women experiencing domestic abuse.
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327. Support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
- Galop: 0800 999 5428. Support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse or other forms of abuse and violence.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak when calling from a mobile, listen to the operator’s instructions and press 55 when prompted to indicate that you need police assistance.
You don’t need to wait for things to get worse before asking for help. Support is available whenever you’re ready.