A group of courageous victim-survivors of domestic abuse have come together to share their personal experiences in the form of open letters, with the hope of helping others to recognise the early warning signs and seek support.
Each open letter offers a personal account of experiencing domestic abuse. Some describe how they came to recognise patterns of control, while others reflect on the steps they took to seek support and move forward. Together, the letters aim to raise awareness, encourage early recognition of abuse, and let others know that support is available. By speaking out, they’re helping to raise awareness and offer reassurance to those who may be unsure about what they’re experiencing.
The letters form part of a wider ‘Taking Action’ awareness campaign led by Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, focused on helping people recognise the red flags of domestic abuse. The campaign highlights the subtle warning signs and encourages anyone who thinks they might be affected to seek support.
The campaign is supported by local domestic abuse services to help ensure that individuals affected by abuse are aware of where they can access support. The open letters will be shared across social media platforms to raise awareness, encourage recognition of red flags, and signpost available resources.
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb, Head of Investigations, PVP said: “These open letters are incredibly moving. They show the strength of survivors and the power of sharing their own stories to help others feel seen, heard, and supported.
“Domestic abuse can take many forms, and it’s not always easy to spot the signs, especially in the early stages. That’s why campaigns like this are so important. By highlighting the red flags and sharing real experiences, we hope to help people recognise the signs sooner and feel confident in reaching out for help. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and support is always available.”
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “I want to thank the courageous women who have come forward to share their stories.
“Their words are a powerful reminder that domestic abuse doesn’t always begin with violence – it often starts with subtle, controlling behaviours that can be easy to miss or ignore.
“Through our Taking Action campaign, we’re working to help people recognise these red flags early and know where to turn for support.
“These open letters shine a light on the lived reality of abuse. By speaking out, these victim-survivors are not only reclaiming their voices, but also lighting the way for others who may be suffering in silence. I hope their bravery encourages more women to seek help, knowing they will be seen, believed, and supported.”
Caroline Grant, CEO, The First Step Knowsley said: “When survivors choose to share their experiences publicly, it is an act of extraordinary courage and a call for change. These open letters are written not in anger, but in hope for a safer future for those impacted by Domestic Abuse. The recent Merseyside Femicide Review has made painfully clear that we must do more to ensure women are heard, believed, and protected.
“Campaigns such as ‘Taking Action’ in Merseyside show how vital awareness is in preventing abuse and saving lives. Survivors’ open letters play a powerful role in that and helping others recognise the signs of abuse in their own lives or in those around them, where they might not have identified it themselves.
“We want to thank the women who have bravely shared their experiences to help others. Their voices not only inspire change within systems but also empower countless others to seek support, recognise abuse, and know they are not alone.”
For more information visit: www.merseyside.police.uk/VAWG
Where to go for help:
If you, your child, or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently, call 999. If you are not at immediate risk but are concerned, please contact one of the services listed below:
Knowsley Council Safer Communities Service (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 443 2610
Enquiries.safercommunities@knowsley.gov.uk
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Tel: 0151 443 2600
The First Step (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 548 3333
Website: www.thefirststep.org.uk
Savera UK
Helpline 0800 107 0726
www.saverauk.co.uk
Support is also available through:
- National Domestic violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
- Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327
- LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
- Women’s Aid – Live chat to Women’s Aid
Galop
Galop is the leading LGBT+ anti-violence and abuse charity, providing the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline. They provide advice and support to individuals who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence, and domestic abuse and have an online referral form. They also offer a Trans Advocacy Service.
Website: www.galop.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Worried about a friend?
If you are are worried that your partner or ex-partner has a previous history of abuse, or if you’re worried a friend, neighbour or family member is at risk of abuse, you/they have the right to know if they have an abusive past.
The right to know is commonly known as Claire’s Law, or more formally the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), as was formally rolled out in England and Wales in 2014 and is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009.
Under Clare’s Law, you have the right to:
Apply for information about their current or ex-partner because they are worried, they may have a history of abuse and are a potential risk to them.
Request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you’re worried, they might be at risk.
What happens when an application is made?
The police will assess if the person named in the application is a risk to their partner based on previous violence or abuse convictions. They will seek support from the Domestic Abuse Advocate/IDVA service if a domestic abuse professional is required for the visit. The survivor may need support following disclosure.
When might a DVDS not be needed?
When a full police disclosure has been obtained by children’s social care. The Social Worker can share basic details of risk, omitting any names. This will ensure that victims are aware that there is a domestic abuse history.
The GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 do not prevent, or limit, the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children and young people safe.
How to make a request
A Clare’s Law request can be made by calling 101, online or at a police station. Online requests can be made at: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse
For further information visit www.clares-law.com