Abuse is a serious issue and there are services in place to help you if you are afraid that you may be vulnerable to emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse.
If you think that you are being abused in any way tell someone.
Call us on 0345 1551 007 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. In an emergency outside these hours, or on a bank holiday, phone the Emergency Duty Service on 0345 6000 388.
Call the Police on 999 for immediate assistance. You can call 101 to report a crime, visit any police station, text 67101 or minicom/textphone 18001 101.
Financial abuse and scams
Every year thousands of people across the country are conned or have problems with scammers or rogue traders.
If something sounds too good to be true it probably is. Devon and Somerset Trading Standards useful local and national information covering:
- how to spot scams
- how to protect yourself from scams
- what to do if you think you’ve been scammed.
If you are worried that you are the victim of financial abuse – where money or possessions are taken by relatives, friends or carers without your permission – call the Police on 101 or contact the Devon CAB Adviceline on 08444 111 444.
You can also call us on 0345 155 1007. We can advise you, or put you in contact with our Safeguarding Adults Team who can investigate financial abuse concerns.
Age UK has a factsheet about protecting yourself from financial abuse and keeping your money safe.
Domestic violence
If you would like to talk to someone, call the Devon Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0345 155 1074.
Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members.
Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off incident and is a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their victim. It occurs across the whole of society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, disability, religion, class, or lifestyle and income.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse there is help available.
Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse has information about support in Devon and contact details for Devon-wide and local organisations which can help you.
Helpline: 0345 155 1074
Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999
Sexual violence
If you are in immediate danger call 999 now
Would you like to talk to someone?
Phone the Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999 FREE
Lines are open 7 days a week 12pm–2.30pm and 7pm–9.30pm
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or activity. There are many different kinds of sexual violence, including but not restricted to: rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape within marriage/relationships, forced marriage, so-called honour-based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), trafficking, sexual exploitation, and ritual abuse.
Sexual violence can be perpetrated by a complete stranger, or by someone known and trusted, such as a friend, colleague, family member, partner or ex-partner.
Sexual violence can happen to anyone. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted help is available.
Devon Sexual Violence and Abuse has information on getting help, contacting the police and reporting an assault.
Visit: https://www.devon.gov.uk/dsva/sexual-violence
Devon Rape Crisis can give you help and support by email, over the phone or face-to-face.
Visit: www.devonrapecrisis.org.uk
Helpline: 01392 204174
Email: support@devonrapecrisis.org.uk