How Peterborough and Cambridgeshire residents can report domestic abuse without alerting their partners

A Cambridgeshire police spokeswoman said: “We know this is a difficult and worrying time for everyone, but particularly those living with domestic abuse. A change in routine and the current advice to stay at home can put added strain on any relationship, but we want to send a clear message that you do not have to suffer in silence and there is never an excuse for abuse.

“We want you to know that support remains available during these challenging times and we in the police, alongside a whole host of partners, are here to help.

“We appreciate that living in an abusive relationship whilst in lockdown can make you feel as though your voice can’t be heard and picking up the phone to us can be even more difficult than usual. But there are still ways to speak out.”

Advice includes setting ‘code words’ with family and friends as it may not be easy for victims to call police.

A safe phrase can be, for example: “Did I leave my scarf at yours?” and can let the other person know that they need help.

Police added: “We would also urge neighbours to stay in touch regularly, either over the garden fence or through the window, and for victims to inform them of their situation. You could arrange so that if something in particular is put in the window, like a vase or a book, it could be a visual sign that they need help.”

In an emergency, always dial 999, but if you are in danger and are unable to speak on the phone, call 999 and then press 55. You will be transferred to a call handler who will attempt to ask you simple yes or no questions.

If you cannot speak at all, listen carefully to the questions and instructions of the call handler so they can assess and arrange help. More information on this service can be found at https://www.cambs.police.uk/assets/PDFs/Report/make-yourself-heard-guide.pdf.

You can speak to police live for advice any time via the online webchat service at https://bchpolicesupport.imsupporting.com/welcome3/index.php?id=726201605932&dept=Cambs_101.

You can report domestic abuse at https://www.cambs.police.uk/report/Report-Shared/Report-information-about-crime.

If you want to make an online report without being seen, the police website has a permanent red ‘quick exit’ button at the top of the page which takes you to a weather forecast website. Information on how to hide or delete your online reporting history can be found at https://www.cambs.police.uk/information-and-services/About-us/Privacy-notice/Hide-your-website-visit.

Police added: “Many people living with abuse may not feel able to report crime to us and that’s how other members of the community can assist. Please help us protect residents by listening out for suspicious behaviour or noises and reporting any concerns you have about neighbours, friends or family members who may be suffering in silence.

“We want to be there for the people of Cambridgeshire now more than ever and we can all work together to tackle abuse and safeguard those who need us the most.”

Other partners

If you do not wish to speak to police direct, there are plenty of charities and organisations who are also on hand to listen and help safeguard you:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 08082000247

National Stalking Helpline – 08088020300

Cambridge Women’s Aid – 01223 460947

Fenland, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough Refuge – 07787255821

LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline – 08009995428

Honour Based Abuse Helpline – 08005999247