Domestic abuse - it's happening to me
Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. It can include emotional, psychological, physical, financial and sexual abuse in couple relationships (current or previous) or between family members. It can be an individual incident, or a pattern of incidents, but always involves one person having control and power over another.
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THINK Are you in immediate danger? If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can either call our EDI Helpline on +220 7460692 or 2333, or contact the MRCG at LSHTM security team on extension 1505 for emergency help.
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, you can try and find somewhere you feel safe. If this isn't possible and you are scared or fearful, you can contact the MRCG at LSHTM security team on extension 1505.
TALK
- To a friend – talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
- Mental Health First Aiders can provide immediate mental health support.
REPORT
- In an emergency you can report to A&E by calling 1945 and requesting an ambulance or report to police. There is an option for silent support if talking will put you in danger.
- If it is not an emergency, you can speak to your doctor/healthcare professional or attend any local police station.
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using MRCG at LSHTM’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details your submission will be reviewed by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team who will contact you to talk through the options.
MRCG at LSHTM Support for Staff and Students
- Only connect staff counselling service. A trained counsellor can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially.
- HR Department. If you are a member of staff or manager, your HR department will be able to identify the support that’s available to you.
- Trade Union. The MRCG Workers’ Union represents staff at MRCG at LSHTM.
- Mental Health First Aiders – An MHFA can provide immediate mental health support.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
- Employee Assistance Programme - through the helpline counsellors will provide emotional support, a safe haven and non-judgemental place for an individual to talk about their experience. If further support is needed the counsellor can help with whatever steps are necessary e.g. seeking refuge or legal advice.
Other sources of support
- Network Against Gender Based Violence’s One Stop Centre. Receive support from medical and psychosocial support from any of the one stop centres for the management of Gender Based Violence Cases. A trained social worker can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially. Legal aid can also be provided.