Independent Choices Greater Manchester set up our confidential Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline in 1978. It is open for anyone over the age of 16 who is experiencing or has previously experienced domestic abuse & violence in any form. This includes:   

•           Physical abuse and violence
•           Threatening behaviour
•           Financial/economic abuse   
•           Online abuse
•           Emotional or psychological abuse  
•           Stalking/Harassment
•           Sexual abuse and violence   
•           FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)
•           Controlling behaviour         
•           Honour based abuse/violence
•           Coercive behaviour  
•           Forced marriages

Crucially, our Helpline can also be accessed by professionals, as well as friends and family who want to support loved ones.  

We help victims/survivors with practical information and support by: 

• Advising of their legal options, including criminal and civil options. This can be an intimidating area, especially if callers have no prior experience of the law. Our Helpline staff have a wealth of knowledge in this area and can guide callers through their options with empathy, support and signposting to other professional agencies if necessary. For example, we guide victims through the process of reporting their abuse to the police and we can give them information on how to make a statement in the first place. We can advise callers on the court process and what is likely to happen throughout. We also discuss other options, for example divorce (both civil and Sharia) and various civil orders, e.g. Non-Molestation, Occupation & Child Arrangement Orders. 
• Having honest and frank conversations about safety planning and how best to keep themselves and their families protected and safe. This is such an important aspect of our work, and whilst not pleasant to think about, it is essential we have these conversations. The harsh reality is 2 women a week and 2 men every 30 days are murdered by a partner or ex-partner – the importance of safety planning really cannot be under estimated. 
• Supporting and advising on any housing issues victims may be experiencing as a consequence of the violence or abuse they are suffering.  
• Accessing and referring to refuges across the whole of the UK, including dedicated refuges for BAME (Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic) victims.  

We also provide emotional support to victims, many of who are taking a huge step by calling us in the first place. We take as much time with each caller as they need, always aware that every caller and situation is unique.  

All our Helpline staff are experienced and professionally trained. Calls are confidential and are not recorded. Callers do not even need to give their name if they don’t want to.