Every person has the right to feel safe in their home.  Anyone can experience domestic abuse; it can happen in all kinds of relationships and for any reason regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexuality, disability, wealth, locality and lifestyle.  Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off event and can involve a wide range of abusive and controlling behaviours from a partner, family member or someone with whom there has been a relationship such as:

 

·         Physical attacks

·         Emotional abuse

·         Financial control

·         Threats

·         Harassment

·         Social isolation

 

GETTING HELP

 

There are three steps to getting out of a domestic abuse situation:

·         Recognise what is happening to you

·         Accept that you are not to blame

·         Get help and support

 

If you, or someone you know, is suffering, or have suffered from domestic abuse or violence then there are a wide range of organisations that can help:

Women’s National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247

Men’s Aid National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 801 0327

Broken Rainbow 08452 60 44 60 (Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Domestic Violence Helpline)

Elderly Abuse Response Line 0808 808 8141

‘Honor’ based violence 01332 604098

Kooth www.kooth.com (free online advice service for 11 – 25 year olds)

Victim Support 01270 212 155

Social Services 01625 534 700

Social Service out of hours 01606 766 11

Cheshire Domestic Violence Outreach Service 01606 351 375

Childline 0800 11 11

Relate 01606 350995 (counselling)

Respect 0845 122 8609 (support for men who want to stop their violent behaviour)

IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 999

 

If you wish to leave your home then you may want to consider the

following points:

·         Leave when it is safe to do so

·         Have some money saved in case you need to use a taxi or bus

·         If you don’t have a mobile phone find somewhere you can quickly and safely use the phone should you need to

·         Take important documents with you such as your marriage certificate, court orders, passport, benefit award notification bank details, birth certificate and health records

·         Have a small bag already packed with an extra set of keys for the house and car should you need to leave in an emergency

·         If you choose to leave, try to take your children with you

·         Take essential medicines with you that you and your children may need

·         If you later discover that you have left something essential behind, you can always arrange for a police escort so that you can return for it

 

HOW CAN WE HELP?

The Trust have a zero tolerance policy towards perpetrators of domestic abuse and are committed to helping wherever possible, anyone threatened with or suffering domestic abuse. The safety of the victim is our primary concern at ALL times.

We will take action and assist victims but only with their consent; we will not insist on evidence of abuse, although some form of evidence will be required if legal action is taken.

Confidentiality is ensured at all times. If we are contacted by individuals or other organisations about your circumstances details will not be given out without your consent.

 

If you are a Trust tenant then our Enforcement Team can assist with:

·         Making you and your home more secure by providing additional security e.g. lighting, cameras, fencing, panic alarms and mobile telephones for emergency calls

·         Taking out an Injunction against the perpetrator to keep them away from you and your home

·         Providing you with advice and support throughout any legal action

·         Making a referral to statutory and voluntary organisations who can assist you with taking relevant action and/or offer you support

·         Making a referral to Cheshire East Council to help you secure temporary accommodation in a safe environment, should you require it.

 

Remember.....

Every person has the right to feel safe in their own home

 

For More Advice

 

You should contact us directly on Freephone 0800 012 1311 (it may be cheaper to call 0330 440 9707 from a mobile), email trust@cppht.com or write to Cheshire Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, Ropewalks, Newton Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6QJ

 

Other customers also found these documents interesting:

   Domestic Abuse Leaflet

   Domestic Abuse Policy

   Witness Support Leaflet