A new text helpline has been set up to help people experiencing domestic abuse during lockdown.

Anyone will be able to get support and advice from our specialist domestic abuse practitioners 7 days a week by texting 07451 288 150.

Texts will be answered within 24 hours and the team will establish if it is safe for the customer to receive texts and find out if there are any particular days or times that are not safe.

Depending on the query, the team will either provide advice there and then or refer to one of our specialist services.

On Mondays and Thursdays the service will be ran by Glow’s specialist children and young people team, who can give specific advice to those who are either witnessing abuse at home or in their own abusive relationship.

The service comes as thousands of people are trapped in lockdown with abusive partners or family members.

Lucy Willis, Head of Domestic Abuse Services at Glow, said: “We understand that people experiencing domestic abuse are likely to be isolating at home with their perpetrator, making it very difficult to speak up and take that first step towards reaching out for help.

“We are responding to this by increasing ‘silent’ ways of getting in touch with us and this new text messaging service is part of that.

“Anyone who feels they might be experiencing harm from a loved one can text through to us and reach a specialist domestic abuse practitioner ready to offer expert advice, to give that person the best possible chance of freeing themselves from a life of abuse.”

If you need advice or support about an unhealthy relationship text 07451 288 150. The service operates 7 days a week from 10am until 10pm.

If you are in immediate danger, you should call 999.