Your physical and emotional safety

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is very common. You are not the only one. It is wrong and it is not your fault. We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence.  In the majority of cases it is carried out by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:

  • Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
  • Psychological and/or emotional abuse 
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Financial or economic abuse
  • Harassment and stalking
  • Online or digital abuse

 If you are in immediate danger, call the police 999 

 If you need help and need to talk to someone :

 

Rape and Sexual Harm 

 A sexual violence survivor is often left with the feeling that they have no one to turn to, they will not be believed or listened to and sometimes feel that it is their fault.  

Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre, Guildford (RASASC) supports survivors of all genders over the age of 13 across Surrey, who have been raped, sexually abused, or have had an unwanted sexual experience. 

 If you are in immediate danger, call the police 999  

 If you need help and need to talk to someone : 

  • RASASC Office 01483 568000 (9.00am to 4.30pm, Mon to Fri) 
  • RASASC Helpline 01483 546400 (7.30pm to 9.30pm, Mon to Thurs) 
  • The Survivors Trust Helpline & Live Chat Service 0808 801 0818 
  • Speak to your midwife  

 

Mental Health and Emotional Safety

Emotional and mental health changes are very common in pregnancy and are experienced by many mothers-to-be. This can include feelings of sadness, emotionally low, anxious or worried. Most often, these are manageable feelings and are part of a normal pregnancy. Occasionally they can affect your relationships and your daily life activities such as work or caring for other children. Your midwives can support you to manage these feelings and to have a positive pregnancy and birth.

Very occasionally, you may experience thoughts or feelings that worry or frighten you. These might include thoughts of harming yourself or others, hearing voices or other hallucinations. You must seek help immediately for these types of emotions.

Ways to access support with your mental health and emotional wellbeing:

If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment, call  0800 915 4644 Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Call a Midwife 24 hour advice line 0300 123 5473
  • Royal Surrey maternity specialist mental health midwives Jasmine Team 07970 446936 (9am to 5pm Monday - Friday)
  • Your own GP
  • Talking Therapies Surrey can help you think about things differently and help you improve your wellbeing. The website explains what is available and how to access help.