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Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Service

You are not alone.

Whatever has brought you here today, support is available. You do not have to make any decisions right now, and you do not have to go through this on your own.

A safe place to start You might not know what support you need. That is okay. This page explains what IDVA support can look like and where you can get help.

If you are in immediate danger

Call 999. If you cannot speak, listen to the operator and press 55 when prompted. For non-emergency police advice, call 101.

However you are feeling

You do not have to have the right words.

Domestic abuse can leave people feeling frightened, confused, trapped or unsure. You may not be ready to leave. You may not even be sure whether what is happening is abuse. You still deserve support.

Frightened Unsure Confused Not ready Worried Overwhelmed Trying to keep going
What support can look like

Calm, practical support when things feel overwhelming

IDVA support is independent, confidential and focused on helping someone understand their options and plan for safety.

01

We listen

You can share as much or as little as feels safe. You will not be judged, blamed or rushed.

02

We help you stay safer

We can talk through risks, safety planning and what might help now and in the future.

03

We stand beside you

That could mean advocacy, housing conversations, court support or working with other agencies.

You are not to blame

You do not have to be ready to leave.

Talking to someone does not mean you have to make decisions today. It simply means you do not have to face it on your own.

No judgement No pressure Safety first Support at your pace where possible
IDVA support

What happens after a referral

Local Solutions does not take public self-referrals into this IDVA service. Referrals come through Merseyside Police.

1A referral is made through Merseyside Police where IDVA support is appropriate.
2We listen and try to understand what is happening and what feels most urgent.
3We look at safety and talk through practical steps and options.
4We work with other services where this is helpful and safe.
5We keep the focus on you, your safety and what needs to happen next.
About the service

Our IDVA service is referral-based

Local Solutions IDVA support is accessed through referrals from Merseyside Police. That means we do not publish a public phone number, email address or contact form for this service.

If you need help now, please use the support organisations listed below or contact the police if you are at risk.

Worried about someone?

You can still help

If you are worried about a friend, family member, neighbour or colleague, try to listen without judgement and avoid putting pressure on them to act before they feel safe.

  • Believe them.
  • Do not confront the person causing harm.
  • Encourage specialist support.
  • Call 999 if there is immediate danger.
Need support now?

Places you can contact directly

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or you are worried about someone else, these organisations can provide advice, information and support.

Police emergency

Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted.

Call 999

Police non-emergency

Call 101 if you need support or advice from the police and it is not an emergency.

Call 101

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Free, confidential support available 24 hours a day.

0808 2000 247
Support organisations

Domestic abuse support across Merseyside

The organisations below are support options for people affected by domestic abuse. Please check directly with each organisation for current opening hours and referral routes.

Merseyside Domestic Violence Service

Liverpool-based domestic abuse support.

0151 709 8770

LDAS

Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service, supporting women and girls in Liverpool.

Visit LDAS

South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service

Domestic abuse support in South Liverpool.

0151 494 1777

The First Step

Emotional and practical support for people affected by domestic abuse.

0151 548 3333

SWACA

Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid provides practical and emotional support.

Visit SWACA

Wirral Women and Children’s Aid

24-hour domestic abuse helpline for Wirral.

0151 643 9766

Men’s Advice Line

Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.

Visit Men’s Advice Line

Galop

Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse.

Visit Galop

Victim Support

Free and confidential support for victims of crime, witnesses and families.

Visit Victim Support

Staying safe online

The Leave this page button will take you away from this page quickly, but it will not remove this page from your browser history. If it is safe to do so, consider using private browsing, clearing your history or using a device that someone else cannot access.

You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you need advice or support, the organisations listed above can help.

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