IMPORTANT: If in immediate danger, dial 999.

If you cannot speak, dial 55 once the operator answers your call, 

Dialing 55 after calling 999 activates the Silent Solution system. It alerts the operator that you are in a genuine emergency but are unable to speak—often due to an intruder or an abusive situation. This transfers your call to the police, who will then ask you to answer questions by tapping the handset, coughing, or following automated voice prompts. 

Key details about using the Silent Solution:

• The Process: If you make a silent 999 call, you will be connected to an automated police message. Pressing 55 confirms to the call handler that you need police assistance. 
• Accidental Calls: If you do not press 55 or make a sound after being prompted, the call will be terminated

If you call 999 accidentally, do not hang up—stay on the line and tell the operator it was a mistake.

• Location Tracking: Dialing 55 does not automatically track your location. Always try to whisper your address, your post code and house number is enough,  or listen carefully for instructions if it is safe to do so. 

There are many services available to help you, please see our list below:

Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical – it’s a pattern of controlling, threatening and coercive behaviour, which can also be emotional, economic, psychological or sexual. Abuse is a choice a perpetrator makes, and isolation is already used by many perpetrators as a tool of control.

While in lockdown or self-isolation, women and children are likely to be spending concentrated periods of time with perpetrators, potentially escalating the threat of domestic abuse and further restricting their freedom. Lines of communication could be severely limited if women are unable to leave the home.

Refuge remains open, the Freephone Helpline is operating 24/7, with confidential, non-judgmental support available from our team of trained female advisers. We also have an online contact form, with additional support resources available for survivors, friends and family. Women can request a safe time to be called.

If you are worried about a loved one, or about isolating with a perpetrator, please call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or contact the Helpline via Refuge’s contact form at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

To ensure your safety you can let us know how to contact you and what time to contact you. In an emergency, always be ready to call 999 if you are in danger.

Save Lives - Ending Domestic Abuse https://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19

Aylesbury Women's Aid - Website: www.aylesburywomensaid.org.uk; Telephone: 01296 437777; Out Of Hours Mobile: 07742 162484

Wycombe Women's Aid - Telephone: 01494 461367

Womens Aid - Safety & Support Resources during COVID-19: 

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-and-support-resources/

How to leave your abusive partner during lockdown: 

https://www.channel5.com/show/how-to-leave-your-abusive-partner-safely-in-lockdown/