Somerset Council is urging people to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and seek support as part of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month this October.

The Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, supported by the council, offers confidential advice, emotional and practical help, and legal guidance for anyone affected — including children and young people. Support is available daily between 8am and 8pm.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, lead executive member for communities, said: "No one should ever feel unsafe in their own home. Domestic Abuse Awareness Month is a chance for all of us to come together — to talk about abuse, to challenge it, and to make sure that people know where to turn for help."

The council is working with Avon and Somerset Police and other partners to raise awareness and improve safeguarding.

Assistant Chief Constable Jo Hall said police are focusing on high-risk offenders and using trauma-informed approaches to better protect victims. Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody added: "Domestic abuse is a serious and pervasive crime that affects thousands of people in Avon and Somerset every year."

Avon and Somerset Police recorded more than 23,000 domestic abuse crimes in the year to March 2025 — roughly 15% of all recorded crime in the force area.

Help and contact details

• Call Somerset Domestic Abuse Service free on 0800 69 49 999
• Visit the Somerset Domestic Abuse website for live chat and email
• In an emergency, dial 999 or press 55 for Silent Solution help
• Deaf or hard of hearing residents can text 999 or use 999 BSL

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