Somerset Council is raising awareness this October, during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, reminding people across Somerset that help is available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, background, or circumstance. It isn’t always physical; it can also be emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual. What defines domestic abuse is the use of power and control to cause harm, fear, or isolation within a relationship, by a partner, ex-partner, or family member.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Executive Member for Communities at Somerset Council, said: “No one should ever feel unsafe in their own home. Domestic Abuse Awareness Month is a chance for all of us to come together – to talk about abuse, to challenge it, and to make sure that people know where to turn for help. Somerset Domestic Abuse Service is here for anyone affected – offering support, safety and hope.”
The council’s domestic abuse service believes that everyone deserves to feel safe at home. This month, they are encouraging people across the county to learn how to recognise the signs of abuse, reach out for support, and help others do the same.
Recognising the signs
Domestic abuse takes many forms, and the signs are not always obvious. Common indicators include:
• A partner, ex-partner, or family member controlling who you see or where you go.
• Monitoring of your phone, messages, or social media.
• Being criticised, belittled, or blamed for their behaviour.
• Restrictions on access to money, transport, or employment.
• Physical violence, intimidation, or sexual coercion.
If any of this sounds familiar — whether in your own life or someone else’s — you are not alone. Support is available. For more information, free training on spotting the signs of domestic abuse is available from: Domestic abuse online learning
How Somerset Domestic Abuse Service can help
Somerset Domestic Abuse Service provides free, confidential advice and support to anyone affected by domestic abuse, including children and young people.
Their trained and compassionate team can provide:
• Practical and emotional support tailored to your situation.
• Safety planning, housing and legal advice.
• Support for children and families affected by abuse.
• Access to counselling, including specialist support for children.
• Help for people who want to change their abusive behaviour.
They work in partnership with local organisations, police, health professionals and community groups to ensure everyone who reaches out receives the right support at the right time.
If you are in danger or need support
Help is available every day. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact Somerset Domestic Abuse Service:
• Call: 0800 69 49 999 (8am–8pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays)
• Visit: Somerset Domestic Abuse (including live chat)
Email: domesticabuseservice@somerset.gov.uk
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted — this will connect you to the police through the Silent Solution system.
For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can contact 999 BSL for a BSL interpreter.
