People experiencing domestic abuse in Somerset can now access confidential online chat support for longer, following an extension to the online service’s opening hours.
Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, commissioned by Somerset Council, has extended its live chat hours from 11am to 2pm to 10am to 4pm to make it easier for anyone affected by domestic abuse to reach out for help safely and discreetly.
The online chat, available via somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk, provides free, confidential support and advice from trained professionals. It’s designed for people who may not feel comfortable making a phone call or who need a more discreet way to access help. The service also offers a confidential telephone helpline open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays.
Extended hours for greater flexibility
The online chat is now available Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, ensuring that more people can get support when they need it most.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Executive Member for Communities at Somerset Council, said:
We know that reaching out for help can be difficult, especially if someone is being monitored or feels unsafe to speak on the phone. By extending the online chat hours, we hope to make it easier for anyone in Somerset to access support confidentially, at a time that suits them.
How to access help
- To use the live chat, visit somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk.
- Support is also available via the Somerset Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 69 49 999, (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays).
- Email domesticabuseservice@somerset.gov.uk
- If you’re 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 dial 999 for a BSL interpreter.
Anyone concerned about their relationship, or worried about a friend, family member or colleague, is encouraged to get in touch.
