Domestic violence and homelessness
Domestic abuse is behaviour that is intended to dominate, threaten, coerce and control someone else in an intimate or other family relationship.
Domestic abuse is not only about violence and physical harm. It can include emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse. Forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called 'honour'-based violence are also forms of domestic abuse.
Get help now
- in immediate danger - 999
- women: 0808 800 0340 (24/7)
- men: 0808 801 0327.
What is domestic abuse?
If someone is being abused, they may be experiencing some or all of the following:
- mocking, humiliation, insults, criticism
- being checked up on, followed, or stalked
- pressure, threats, intimidation, or violence
- destruction of their possessions
- isolation from family and friends
- being forced into sex
- having money taken or controlled
- lying, blame and denial of the abuse.
How to get help
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and you feel you are at risk to stay in your home, councils are a source of support. You do not need to have a local connection to approach us for help but it is important you approach a council in an area where you will be safe.
If it is safe for you to stay in Ashfield we may be able to make your current home more secure through the Sanctuary Scheme. Sanctuary provides professionally installed security measures where it is safe to do so and where the perpetrator is not entitled to enter the property.
What is the Sanctuary Scheme?
The Sanctuary Scheme allows victims to remain in the familiar environment of their home whilst they are experiencing the problems that arise as a result of domestic violence.
What does it provide?
It provides professionally installed security measures to the house of the person suffering domestic violence. A crime prevention officer and fire officer usually undertake an assessment of the property and they recommend works that need to be undertaken to create security measures to enable the survivor to feel safe inside the house.
Who is it for?
It works for survivors who wish to stay in their own home, where it is their choice, where it is safe to do so and where the perpetrator no longer lives within the accommodation.
However, Sanctuary Schemes must work as part of a package of protection and support services, to ensure that the victim/survivor is not only safe inside the home, but also when out and about outside the home.
Who is it not for?
For some people, the scheme will not be appropriate, and it will be safer for them to move into temporary accommodation or refuges and then be re-housed away from their home area.
In all cases, it is vital that there is clear and ongoing risk assessment and that safety is paramount.
Other ways to get help
For women experiencing domestic abuse you can get support by:
- telephone: 0808 800 0340 (24/7)
- from the Juno Womens Aid website.
For men experiencing domestic abuse you can get support:
- telephone: 0808 801 0327 (Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm).