This is a list of organisations to which you might refer someone following a disclosure of domestic abuse at your sport or activity club.
Emergency:
999 – Police (if someone is at immediate risk)
National Helplines:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England): 0808 2000 247 | nationaldahelpline.org.uk
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 | mensadviceline.org.uk
- Galop (LGBT+): 0800 999 5428 | galop.org.uk
- Rape Crisis: 0808 500 2222 | rapecrisis.org.uk
- National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 | suzylamplugh.org
- Karma Nirvana (Forced marriage and ‘Honour’-based abuse): 0800 5999 247 | karmanirvana.org.uk
- Samaritans (24/7 mental health support): 116 123 | samaritans.org
- NHS Urgent Help for Mental Health: 111 (select the mental health option)
- Shout (24/7 mental health support): Text 85258 | giveusashout.org
Local Support:
- Bright Sky is an NHS recommended app that provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or is concerned about someone they know. Whilst it is nationally available, it also provides information about nearby support.
- A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offers confidential medical and practical support to people who have recently been raped or sexually assaulted. Trained professionals can collect forensic evidence without the individual needing to report to the police (i.e. giving them time to consider their wishes).
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre/ - Local Safeguarding Adults Board/Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
- Local mental health services are accessible through GPs, but it may be useful to signpost to the NHS website – How to find local mental health services – NHS
Sport-Specific Support:
You could also signpost individuals to:
- Club Welfare/Safeguarding Officer
- NGB Lead Safeguarding Officer
- Active Partnership Lead Safeguarding Officer
- Sport Welfare Officer
- Medical staff who may have useful knowledge of multi-agency working and local support
Remember: It is possible to seek advice about a situation while keeping the details of those involved anonymous, until you are sure about consent to share and/or whether you need to break confidentiality.
Signposting Support – Things To Include in Your Safeguarding Policy
- Directions about the most important safety considerations
- Suggestions for signposting to support
- Advice about how to record information
- Clear internal reporting steps
- Direction of how to manage a situation where a child or legally defined ‘adult at risk’ could be at risk of harm