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Domestic Violence

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Problems at home? Do not suffer in silence!

If you are, or someone you know is, having problems at home you may be experiencing domestic violence or abuse, if this is the case you do not have to suffer in silence. The phrase ‘domestic violence’ makes most people think of being physically hurt but domestic violence occurs in different forms.

Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual abuse, and it is experienced by people in intimate or family relationships. It can range from slaps, kicks, blows, shaking, rape and wounding to murder. It also includes intimidation, humiliation, harassment, threats of violence, being forced to marry some-one against your will, being kept prisoner in your home or being cut off from family or friends.

Domestic violence can affect anybody regardless of gender, class, age, race, religious belief, disability or sexual orientation. Violence can and does occur in lesbian and gay relationships and in a tiny minority of cases, is inflicted by women on men; however the vast majority of people who are affected by domestic violence are women and some of the statistics are alarming:

• 2 women in the UK are killed each week by a current or former partner
• 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence at some point in their life
• the Police in the UK receive a domestic assistance call every minute

Realising, or admitting to yourself and others, that you are experiencing domestic violence may seem very difficult but it is an important step towards getting protection for yourself and your children.

How Homes for Islington can support you

First of all we would like you to know that regardless of the abuse you are experiencing:

• it is not your fault
• you are not alone
• you are entitled to live free from fear
• you can survive and move on from an abusive relationship

We can:

• have a discussion with you to find out what support and advice you would like
• arrange for you to meet specialist people who are trained to help you
• seek advice on your behalf
• put you in touch with legal experts
• make recommendations to provide extra security to your home
• discuss the housing options that may be available

If you would like to speak to someone you can contact your area housing office for support, advice and information. We will listen to what you have to say, we will not be judgemental and we will maintain confidentiality unless we are meeting our legal duty. We will only share information about you with other agencies with your permission, or if the information is needed to stop you and your children coming to serious harm.

When you contact your area office you should ask to speak to the tenancy management advisor who manages your home. Please call one of the area offices on the following telephone numbers:

Holland walk - 020 7527 7480
Lyon Street - 020 7527 6880
Old Street - 020 7527 6250
Upper Street - 020 7527 5300
Home Ownership - 020 7527 7715/7720

When you contact us you can expect the following to happen:

• A member of staff will make an appointment to carry out a more detailed interview, if necessary, within 24 hours or 48 hours if a translator/interpreter is required
• Repairs that occur as a result of domestic violence will be carried out in accordance with our Repairs Policy
• HFI will make appropriate referrals to Home Shelter, specialist Floating Support or the Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (IDVAS)
• To receive further information, normally at the interview, including details of help that is available
• To be given advice about appropriate action that HFI can take
• To be interviewed by a female or male officer as requested

Children

If you are in an abusive relationship and you have children you may find it hard to know what to do for the best. It is important to remember that children are affected by witnessing arguments and assaults and will need support to cope with what it is happening at home. Sometimes the children themselves are hurt or abused. There are organisations in Islington who can help you to support and protect your children.

Abusers commonly threaten that your children will be taken away if you tell anyone about the violence at home. This is very unlikely to happen. The Children’s Services recognise that the best way of protecting children from harm is to support the parent or carer who is not abusive to do the best for the children. If you are concerned about the well being of your children you can contact Islington Children’s Services Assessment Team on 020 7527 7400.

Housing options and legal remedies

There are a number of housing options and legal remedies that are available depending on your circumstances. For information and advice you can contact your area housing office, alternatively, with your consent, we can make contact with other organisations on your behalf or give you their details so that you can contact them when you wish to do so.

Contacts in Islington

Call 999 for the police emergency service if you feel you or your children are in immediate danger from a violent partner.

The National Domestic Violence helpline is open 24 hours a day on 0800 2000 247 and provides information, advice, support or emergency refuge accommodation.

The National Centre for Domestic Violence specialises in helping victims of domestic violence to obtain non-molestation and other orders (injunctions) from court to protect them from further abuse. Depending on your financial circumstances, the service they provide is free. The centre can be contacted on 08709 220704.

Solace Women’s Aid (Formerly Islington Women’s Aid) on 020 8269 2121 is a charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. They provide temporary supported housing (refuge), a community outreach service providing advice and drop-in, an advice line and a specialist children’s service.

Islington Victim Support offers support to victims of crime including men and women experiencing domestic violence. Call 020 7700 6014 for information.

IMECE Turkish speaking Women’s Group on 020 7354 1359 provide advice and support to Turkish speaking women experiencing domestic violence.

Latin American Women’s Aid on 020 7275 0321 is an independent voluntary organisation for Spanish and Portuguese speaking women providing outreach support and advice as well as temporary supported housing.

Islington Police Community Safety Unit is a borough based specialist Police unit dealing with the support of victims call 020 7421 0326.

Broken Rainbow is a service for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who experience domestic violence. Call 020 8539 9507 for information and advice.

Click here for details of other organisations in Islington that can give you support.