| It’s 6.36am on a Tuesday, but one mum isn’t making her child breakfast or getting ready for work. Instead, she’s locked herself in her own bathroom – terrified. This may sound like just a story, but it was the true reality of what one of our call handlers faced when they picked up a 999 call earlier this week. The woman, living in Peterborough, confided that she had shut herself in her toilet with her child for her own safety and said her husband had just attacked her. She was having to whisper and couldn’t give information easily. She was barely audible, but we established she needed help right away. Officers arrived at her home 13 minutes later, where the woman disclosed years of suspected domestic abuse and coercive control. One man was arrested on suspicion of assault and intentional strangulation, and enquiries continue. Did you know? If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, pressing 55 after calling 999 alerts police operators that you need help but are in a situation where you can’t talk. Dialling 55 lets the operator know your call is genuine and they will try to track your location. If you can’t speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from our demand hub call agents so they can assess your situation and arrange help. For more information, advice and support concerning domestic abuse, visit our dedicated web pages. |