Domestic Violence
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A new direct enquiry service has been formed, 118800, it is a national directory of all mobile phone numbers. Their website says that addresses will not be used or forwarded to anyone.
If you wish to, you can make yourself ex-directory by logging on to www.118800.co.uk and clicking on ex-directory and following the simple stages from there. You can also text 'E' to 118800 from the mobile you wish to become ex-directory
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In an emergency if you your children or family members are at risk, you can get help from the police immediately by calling 999. Domestic violence is a crime and the police take it very seriously. They have specially trained police officers who deal exclusively with supporting survivors of domestic violence and hate crime.
If you are a victim of domestic violence you may feel very alone and afraid and uncertain where to turn to for support and advice. H&F Homes condemns all domestic violence and abuse. We have clear service standard commitments in responding to domestic violence and abuse. 100% of the time we promise to:
- Publicise support information about domestic violence in area offices and newsletters
- Make sure anyone presenting themselves at our offices as a victim of domestic violence is seen immediately
- When necessary make an appropriate referral within 24 hours
When you suffer from domestic violence you can feel very alone. But you're not. And while there are lots of other people out there suffering in the same way it is important to also be aware that there are also many organisations which can help and support you.
Statistics show that 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence at some stage in their lives. We also know that anyone can be abused. Domestic violence takes place across all social groups, regardless of age, religion, culture or ethnic background. In the majority of cases the abuse is carried out by a man and the victim is a woman. But sometimes domestic violence can occur within lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual relationships and can be suffered by men in heterosexual relationships.
What is domestic violence?
The phrase 'domestic violence' makes most people think of physical abuse. Domestic violence can involve behaviour by your partner such as slapping, beating and kicking which can lead to permanent injury. But alongside this there can also be other ways your partner can abuse you. These can be sexual, emotional and mental.
For example:
- Threatening to harm or kill you or your children.
- Forcing you to have sex when you don't want to or in ways which you don't like.
- Criticising and humiliating you; for example, saying you are ugly, worthless or unable to get by on your own.
- Isolating you from your family and friends.
- Not allowing you money, food or sleep - making you a virtual prisoner in your own home.
- Often it's not only you who is affected by the abuse. Your children can also suffer emotionally by seeing their parent being abused by her partner. We also know that domestic violence is very rarely a one off event. It does tend to get worse and to happen more often over time.
Remember:
- You are not alone.
- Your partner has no right to beat, verbally or sexually abuse you or your children. Assault is a criminal offence.
- You are not to blame.
- You are not responsible for the abuse. It is your partner who must take responsibility for their actions.
- Violence is never the way to solve conflict in the home.
- You can survive and move on from an abusive relationship.