As families eagerly anticipate celebrating Easter at home, Somerset Council is calling on friends and family to be vigilant and stand up against domestic abuse during this holiday season.

Recognising that home may not always be a safe place for those in abusive relationships, Somerset Council has extended its domestic abuse campaign, #BeyondThe Bruises, ahead of Easter, emphasising that not all domestic abuse is physical violence.

The campaign reinforces the message that everyone has a basic human right to live free from domestic abuse.

Councillor Adam Dance, Lead Executive Member for Public Health, Equalities, and Diversity at Somerset Council, said:

Domestic abuse is never acceptable in whatever form it takes, and we know that the holidays can make tensions intensify.

If you find yourself in this situation, or you know someone who is, please reach out to our domestic abuse service – help is and will continue to be available throughout the Easter period and beyond.

It can be daunting and a huge responsibility helping someone who’s living with domestic abuse. Individuals unsure about how to help someone facing domestic abuse are encouraged to contact the local Somerset Domestic Abuse Service at 0800 69 49 999 for advice or go to: www.somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk/supporting-someone.

The website offers information on accessing confidential help and advice for people experiencing domestic abuse or friends, family members, neighbours, or colleagues who may know someone who they think are in an abusive relationship: www.somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk.

Domestic abuse is defined as ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.’ Statistics indicate that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Further information on recognising the signs of domestic abuse can be found here: www.somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk/supporting-someone/recognising-when-something-is-not-right.

Short free online awareness courses are available to help you understand more about domestic abuse: https://training.somersetsurvivors.co.uk/

The Somerset community is being urged by the Council to consider friends, relatives, and co-workers, stressing that it is everyone’s business to report domestic abuse.

If you are experiencing any form of domestic abuse, worried about someone you know, or are concerned about the impact of your behaviour towards others, then help is available: somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 69 49 999 – between 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week.

In an emergency you should always dial 999. If you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent, tap the phone and dial 55 when prompted by the operator who will send help.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired you can register with emergencySMS.net. Once registered you will be able to send a text to 999 if you require help in an emergency.