Deal with domestic violence or abuse?
The majority of cases of domestic violence or abuse are against women, but it is recognised that men do sometimes experience violence or abuse from their partner. It can occur within both heterosexual and gay relationships.
Domestic violence happens to 1 in 4 women at some point in their lives regardless of age, sexuality, background or race. You may feel humiliated, frightened, ashamed, alone and confused - but you are not to blame.
Support and advice
There is support and advice available to you and your children if you are experiencing any of the following from a partner, ex-partner or family member:
• hitting, punching, kicking, slapping
• rape, sexual abuse
• stopping your contact with family and friends
• ridiculing, criticising
• with-holding money, gambling.
Hexagon can help you
(Anything you tell us will be kept confidential)
We take reports of domestic violence or abuse very seriously. Your Housing Officer will see you within 24 hours of a reported incident. After that we will work with you to make sure that your home is secure and any repairs to keep you safe are carried out within 24 hours. We’ll help you get legal advice so that you can make decisions about your future. We’ll make sure that you get support so that you can stay in your home. We will consider a move to another property if that is believed to be the only option available to you.
You can contact us by telephone – 020 8778 6699
or by email to customer_desk@hexagon.org.uk
Other Agencies
There are other agencies who can help you with legal and housing advice and support.
Police
If you need urgent assistance, ring 999 for police help. The police can not only come to your home if you need urgent help, but also have trained staff who can help you with the after effects. Victim Support offer practical advice and support and can also provide a list of local solicitors who specialise in family matters. www.victimsupport.org
Women’s Aid is a national service for women who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse. There is lots of useful information on their website and they can offer advice and support or access to a place of safety if needed.
Tel: Freephone 24hr national Domestic Violence helpline 0808 2000 247
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
Refuge work in partnership with Women’s Aid to provide places of safety for women and their children who need to flee their homes because of Domestic Violence
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
Bede House provides a support service in the borough of Southwark to women who are experiencing domestic violence or relationship problems. The also provide the same service for victims of same sex domestic violence.
Tel: 020 7237 9162
Drop in surgeries : Safeshop 92 Peckham Road SE16 - Mondays 12.30-5.00
Bede House 351 Southwark Park Road - Wednesdays 9.30-5.00
Acorn Surgery 136 Meeting House Lane SE15 -Fridays 9.30 – 5.00
Broken Rainbow offer advice and support to people who are experiencing domestic violence in a lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender relationship.
Tel: 08452 604 460
Website: www.lgbt-dv.org
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships
Tel: 0808 801 0327
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Domestic Violence Prevention Programme
This is a service for men who want to end their violent and abusive behaviour towards a partner.
Tel: 020 7633 9181
Website: www.dvip.org.uk