Summer holidays are almost upon us, and talk of escape to hotter climes is all around, but for survivors of abuse the holidays can be a very difficult time, with increased levels of threats, intimidation and violence. Forced marriage also increases at this time of year.
Despite the anecdotal increase in abuse during the holiday period, the number of cases reported to police often appears to go down. This may be because people are on holiday, possibly abroad, or they have children to look after and feel unable to seek help.
Children living in households where there is abuse are likely to be witnessing this increase and may not have the routine of school to escape to. If you are a child or young person (up to the age of 19) you can call Childline on 0800 1111 or talk to them online for a free chat. Nothing is too big or small and Childline won’t tell anyone you have called.
If you are being forced to go abroad to marry against your will, or you are concerned this may be happening to someone you know, you can talk to the Forced Marriage Unit on 0207 008 0151.
If you feel that you might experience abuse whilst abroad, ensure you have the emergency number for the country you are visiting before you leave. For the European Union area this is 112. For the UK please call 999.
Sexual assault and rape can also happen while on holiday. Rape Crisis have put together a useful resource: What to do if you’ve been raped abroad which you can access here.
It is important that everyone experiencing abuse feels supported and able to seek help whenever they need it.
If you are a woman experiencing abuse you can call the local Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 800 0340.
If you are a child or young person experiencing domestic abuse you can call Childline on 0800 1111 or talk to them online.
If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse you can call Equation’s domestic abuse service for men on 0115 960 5556.