• Our Policy

    Domestic Abuse Policy

  • What is domestic Abuse?

    Domestic abuse, or domestic violence, is defined as any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

      

    Who counts as ‘family members? 

    Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, and grandparents whether directly related, in-laws or stepfamily. However, this is not an exhaustive list and may also extend to uncles, aunts, and cousins etc. 

     

    What are the types of abuse? 

    ‘Domestic abuse’ covers a range of types of abuse, including, but not limited to:

    • Psychological
    • Physical
    • Sexual
    • Financial
    • Emotional abuse
    • Coercive control
    • Honour-based violence (HBV) 

    The Crown Prosecution Service describes ‘honour’-based violence as an incident or crime “which has, or may have, been committed to protect or defend the ‘honour’ of the family and or the community”. ‘Honour’ can be the motivation, excuse, or justification behind a range of violent acts. 
  • We are here to help

    We will support our residents to empower them to make their own decisions about what they would like to happen next, so they can make informed choices.  

     

    We will:

    • Work with you to agree next steps
    • Agree what support can be offered
    • Keep in regular contact (as agreed)
    • Consider increasing security at your home
    • Provide you with your housing options
    • Provide signposting to support
  • In an emergency

    If you are unable to speak when you call 999, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police. This only works with mobiles. 

  • Additional Support & Advice
    • National Domestic Violence Helpline A 24-hour helpline run in partnership between Refuge and Women’s Aid Tel: 0808 2000 247 Further / specialists support:
    • Women’s Aid Provides advice and support and finds refuge spaces across the UK, and a national 24-hour helpline. www.womensaid.org.uk
    • Refuge Finds refuge space and/or offers advice and support. Includes refuges for Black and Asian women and women with learning disabilities. www.refuge.org.uk
    • Rape Crisis Line Some boroughs have a Rape Crisis Line. Individual contact numbers can be found on the central website: Tel: 0808 802 9999 www.rapecrisis.org.uk
    • Samaritans Provides 24-hour confidential emotional support Tel: 08457 90 90 90   
    • The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327
    • National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
    • GALOP The National LGBT domestic violence helpline: 020 7704 2040
    • Asian Women's Outreach Worker 01494 446 366
    • Victim Support 0808 168 9111
    • Female Genital Mutilation Helpline (operating 24/7 and staffed by specially trained child protection councillors who can offer advice, information, and assistance to members of the public and professionals): 0800 028 2550.
    • Deafhope UK sign language service to help deaf women and children who are victims of domestic abuse 020 3947 2600.
    • National Stalking Helpline:  www.stalkinghelpline.org  Tel. 0808 802 0300
    • Karma Nirvana – Charity for victims and survivors of Honour based abuse in the UK  https://karmanirvana.org.uk/ 0800 5999 247. 
    • Man Kind - http://mankind.org.uk/help-for-victims/ Tel: 01823 334244 
    • HESTIA - https://www.hestia.org/domestic-abuse
    • Child Line - https://www.childline.org.uk/ Tel: 0800 1111
    • Forced Marriage Unit - https://www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage Tel: 02070080151
    • Safe Spaces - https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/
    • National Stalking Helpline - https://www.suzylamplugh.org/pages/category/national-stalking-helpline Tel: 0808 802 0300 
  • Emergency accommodation

    If you do not believe you can return to your home, you should report this to the police, Housing Solutions cannot offer temporary accommodation bit if the police agree that it is unsafe for you to return home you can approach your local authority for emergency accommodation.

  • Clare’s Law

    This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.

    Under Clare's Law you can:

    • Apply for information about your current or ex-partner because you're worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you
    • Request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you're worried they might be at risk
  • Ask For ANI

    Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) is a codeword scheme that provides a safe, discreet and confidential way for victims of domestic abuse to access immediate help from their local pharmacy or jobcentre.

  • Safe space

    Find a safe space near you

    Safe Spaces Locations - UK SAYS NO MORE