» Domestic violence conference 2011
Preventing homelessness - domestic violence
Domestic violence
- What is domestic violence?
- Advice
- Police
- Getting advice from a solicitor
- Sanctuary project
- Other useful organisations
- More information
- Translations
What is domestic violence?
The government defines domestic violence as "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. Domestic violence also includes forced marriage and so called 'honour crimes'.
Domestic Violence is common. The latest published research document "Home Office Police and Crime Standards Directorate 2006" (pdf, opens in new window) shows that 1 in every 4 women and 1 in every 6 men will be affected by it in their lifetime. Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their religion, ethnicity, gender, race and sexuality, disability or lifestyle.
Domestic violence - advice
If you are experiencing domestic abuse you don't have to do so alone. There are many agencies that can offer support. You will need advice and support, legal protection, measures to keep you safe in your home or to find another, childcare arrangements, financial and practical support.
You can get help from the police. Domestic Violence is a crime and the police take it very seriously. They can enter a home without a search warrant to prevent injury, and they can arrest the abuser if necessary. They can also if you want, arrange medical aid, transport and a safe place for you to go. If necessary, they can accompany you to your residence to provide safety, while you pick up your belongings.
Domestic violence - police
If you are in immediate danger telephone 999.
There are three police stations in the borough - visit www.met.police.uk 
Getting advice from a solicitor
You can get advice on your rights from a solicitor. If you are on a low income or receiving Income Support, you may be able to claim Legal Aid. Make sure you approach a solicitor who specialises in Domestic Violence/Family Law. Legal actions that can be taken to protect you can include:
- Pressing charges - Criminal charge of assault and battery - medical evidence usually required- need to go to court to testify
- Court Injunction - abuser is banned from coming near you
- Non-molestation order - attached to a Court Injunction-if the abuser assaults you they will be immediately arrested (only for those who are living with, or have lived with abuser in past 6 months)
- Ouster order - if you are living together-to remove abuser from property
- Prohibitive Steps Order-prevents children from leaving England
» Free confidential independent legal advice
» Find a local solicitor
» Visit the Law Society website
Sanctuary Project
The Council is committed to preventing homelessness to residents in fear of violence. Victims of domestic violence may:
- risk losing security of tenure of their home
- be unsuitable for emergency accommodation
- face long periods of benefit dependency
Sanctuary Scheme
Our Sanctuary Scheme works in partnership with ADVANCE, a local voluntary agency that specialises in Domestic Violence Advocacy, providing information, support and advice to people experiencing emotional or physical violence from their intimate (ex) partners.
The Sanctuary Scheme may assist survivors of domestic violence, whether owner occupiers or private tenants. The scheme allows survivors to access extra support to increase security and safety within the home and so preventing the need for survivors of domestic violence to leave their existing accommodation and their support networks.
A Metropolitan Police Crime Prevention Officer will visit those deemed suitable to assess what safety and security measures are required to make the accommodation safe.
The scheme is monitored and administrated by the Advance Worker based in the Housing Options and Advice Service.
For enquiries about this project, or advice with regard to any domestic violence issue, telephone 020 8753 4187.
Visit www.womensaid.org.uk
– to search for sanctuary schemes.
More information can be found in our booklet which is available to download here:-
» Domestic violence - where to go for help 2009 (pdf 564KB)
Other useful organisations
Visit www.standingtogether.org.uk
Visit www.advanceadvocacyproject.org.uk
More information
Information and advice for women experiencing domestic violence:
Women's Aid website www.womensaid.org.uk
Refuge website www.refuge.org.uk
Information and advice for British nationals forced into marriage:
Forced Marriage Unit: Tel 020 7008 0151. Out of hours: 020 7008 1500
A Government office that provides support and assistance to British nationals being forced into marriage overseas.
For more information about the unit visit www.fco.gov.uk
Email: fmu@fco.gov.uk.
Information & advice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people affected by domestic violence:
Broken Rainbow helpline on 08452 604460 and further information can be found on their website www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
For more information about your housing visit www.stonewall.org.uk
Information for male victims of domestic violence:
Male Advice Line and Enquiries helpline 0808 801 0327 and the website www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Information for children experiencing abuse or living with domestic violence
Anyone can contact Children's Services if they are worried that a child may be at risk. Our Contact and Assessment Service are told about cases of possible abuse or neglect by teachers, doctors, health visitors and members of the public. Child protection contact details
Information for men who are concerned about their abusive behaviour towards their partner:
Respect helpline 0845 122 8609 and on their website www.respect.uk.net
Further information about domestic violence can also be obtained from Standing Together Against Domestic Violence, a voluntary sector agency which coordinates domestic violence work around the criminal justice system in the borough and a number of other local domestic violence initiatives: www.standingtogether.org.uk
Information and advice on changing your name
Deed Poll Service: Tel 0800 448 8484
Information and advice about changing your name by Deed Poll - www.deedpoll.org.uk
Survivors who are at risk of becoming homeless as a result of domestic violence can contact h&f Advice on 0845 313 3935 for advice and information.
Contact details
For more help and advice please see h&f advice for council contact information
Translations
View leaflets in the following languages with English translations of each. Words for each are broadly the same but some leaflets refer to different agencies depending on the langauge spoken.
» Arabic (
1.16MB) - translation (32KB)
» Farsi (1.12MB) - translation (35KB)
» Polish (126KB) - translation (29KB)
» Somali (38KB) - translation (33KB)
Page last updated: 26/07/2011
