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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Links:
Domestic violence means any form of physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse, usually by your partner or spouse. This can be:
Whatever form it takes, it is serious and you do not have to put up with it. You need to consider seriously your own safety as well as that of your children. It is often difficult to know what to do about it. Here we aim to give you the main options you have, and give you some practical information to help you sort things out. If you do this you will need to find somewhere temporary or permanent to stay. Depending upon how urgent your need is, the following options are possible: Women's refuges can provide safe, short term accommodation, including help and support (see separate section). Your local housing authority may have a duty to accommodate you under Homeless Persons legislation. Alternatively you may prefer to rent privately or stay temporarily with friends or relatives. You may feel it is more important to stay in the home to avoid disruption and distress for your family. It can also make it easier to establish your right to the home. There are various ways to get the violent partner out of the home, depending on your circumstances. CAB can explain the different orders Courts can make, but you will usually need a solicitor to do this When pursuing any action, reporting the offence to the police will:
The priority of the police is to support you and to make sure the violence cannot happen again. There are officers who are specially trained to deal with domestic violence, and provide appropriate help to you. You will need a solicitor to take civil action against your partner. This can be done very quickly in emergencies. You should choose a solicitor carefully, and find out about costs. CAB can advise you about legal aid, and which firms specialise in domestic violence. Details of local firms can also be found in yellow pages. You can also obtain a list of solicitors from the CLS Directory www.clsdirect.org.uk Besides your local Citizens Advice Bureau, the following organisations can help:- For urgent help Victim Support Police 6. OTHER SUPPORT & COUNSELLING SERVICES Rape Crisis Refuges can provide safe space, as well as practical and emotional support. Each refuge will have slightly different rules and will offer different levels of support, and some are very specific (eg one is for the particular needs of Asian women). If you decide to go to a refuge, you may be able to self-refer but it is more usual to be referred by an agency, such as Social Services, Police, Samaritans or the CAB. There are several refuges within Hampshire but it may be more important to get away completely from the local area: Women's Aid Federation of England: Shelterline Refuge Childline NSPCC Child Protection Helpline Careline Male Advice & Enquiry line |
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