We can help you.

Feeling safe in your own home is the basic right of every person. Many women or men stay in a violent relationship because they fear they will become homeless and have no where to live.

There are ways you can find alternative accommodation for yourself and your children. One of the first steps is to contact us so we can advise you on the options available.

Domestic abuse is not simply someone hitting you. It can take many forms:

• Verbal abuse
• Threats
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Stopping you having contact with your friends or family
• Destroying your possessions or causing damage to your home

If you'd like further information on our support for people experiencing domestic abuse, take a look at our domestic abuse leaflet.

Domestic abuse is a serious crime. It is never acceptable and it can never be excused.

Q.What can I do?

A.

There are no easy solutions. But there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and/or children.

If you contact us, our neighbourhood housing team will listen to you and not judge, and simply offer advice that will be treated in confidence. We can advise on all issues around domestic abuse and the impact these have on:

• Housing rights
• Access to benefits, including Housing benefit
• Access to legal advice
• Signposting to other support services
• Advocacy

Q.How soon can I leave my home?

A.

Temporary accommodation may be found in a refuge out of your local area for your own safety.

A refuge is temporary accommodation where men or women who have experienced domestic abuse can live with their children in safety.

Sanctuary scheme

If your preference is to remain in your own home, we will do our best to work with you to provide additional security.

Q.What service do you provide?

A.

Our service provides support to both male and female victims. We offer support in a flexible way that is provided at different times and locations. We positively encourage referrals from minority groups and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. For further information or a referral form please call us.Details can be found in the right hand menu and calls can be returned at convenient times. We can also call you back on request if call costs are an issue. All enquiries are subject to our data protection and confidentiality policies.

In an emergency always call 999.