Domestic violence

Anyone can become a victim of violent behaviour in their home, regardless of their gender, age or family situation. If you're a victim or worried about someone else, you should know where to go for help.  Seek advice at Directgov >>

What is domestic violence?

According to Women's Aid, domestic violence is "usually defined as physical, emotional, sexual and other abuse by someone (usually, but not always a man) of a person (usually, but not always a woman) with whom they have some form of intimate relationship such as marriage, in order to maintain power and control over that person." If someone reports that they have been physically attacked by their partner or that they will not give them any money, criticises them all the time or does not allow them to see their family or friends; these are all acts of domestic violence.

It is estimated that more than 50,000 women a year leave their homes to escape domestic violence or abuse. Domestic violence is usually suffered by women in their homes but can also include any kind of spousal abuse (there have also been cases of domestic violence against men by their wives or female partners), child abuse, and abuse of young lesbian and gay people by their parents. Alcohol or drugs can be a major cause of domestic violence. Attacks may only happen when someone has been drinking or using drugs.

It has been reported that children and young people from violent homes are more likely to fall behind with school work, play truant and have emotional or behavioural problems. If someone is under 18 and has been subject to emotional, physical or sexual violence or abuse by partners, people in their family or those looking after them, then they can get protection and support from social services.

Someone is suffering domestic abuse may feel frightened, humiliated, alone or confused. The important thing to bear in mind is that it is the person abusing them who has the problem. Everyone has the right to live their life free of violence, fear and abuse.

Find out about the This is Abuse campaign >>

Organisations

Albert Kennedy Trust

The Albert Kennedy Trust is a registered charity and was set up so that no lesbian or gay teenager need feel alone or unwanted. They offer placements to young gay people who have been victimised by family or friends. Their mission is to ensure that all lesbian and gay young people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes.

They have two centres in the UK and placements are co-ordinated from these offices. The London headquarters is listed below but you can also reach them in Manchester office. Contact the Trust headquarters that is nearest to your home. They will try to offer you a placement in an area you know.
 
There is also an AKT office in Manchester: 23 New Mount Street, Manchester, M4 4DE. Tel: 0161 953 4059 or
email: mcr@akt.org.uk

Telephone: 020 7831 6562
Address: Unit 203, Hatton Square Business Park, 16/16a Baldwins Gardens, London, EC1N 7RJ.
Fax: 020 7405 6929
Email: contact@akt.org.uk
Website: http://www.akt.org.uk/

British Association of Anger Management (BAAM)

BAAM is the only UK centre of expertise for all aspects of anger and conflict management. We offer support, programmes and training for the general public, children and young people and anyone dealing with their own or another's anger.

Helpline: 0845 1300 286
Email: info@angermanage.co.uk
Website: http://www.angermanage.co.uk/

Paws for Kids

Paws for Kids provides support service for families seeking solace and protection in a refuge by offering temporary fostering care for the animals of such families who have to leave their homes.

Paws for Kids aims to relieve the pressures on families escaping domestic violence by providing:

• A child-centred service to help reduce the long-term effects of witnessing or experiencing domestic violence.
• Temporary fostering of pets belonging to these families.

Telephone: 01204 698999
Address: P.O. Box 329, Bolton, BL6 5FT.
Email: info@pawsforkids.org.uk
Website: http://www.pawsforkids.org.uk/

Pet Fostering Service

Pet Fostering Service Scotland is an initaitive established in association with Scottish Women's Aid. They have joined up to help women who need to leave their home to escape domestic violence. Women have reported staying in a violent situation because they cannot find suitable accommodation for their family pets.

Women seeking refuge in a Scottish Women's Aid shelter can ask to arrange to have their pets fostered by PFSS. This allows the family to maintain responsibility for their pets and to know that they can be reunited with them as soon as their situation improves. This is particularly comforting for children knowing where their pets are and that they are safe.

At the moment there is not a similar arrangement in England.

Helpline: 01877 331496
Website: http://www.scottishspca.org/

Rape Crisis (England & Wales)

Rape Crisis exists to provide a range of facilities and resources to enable the continuance and development of Rape Crisis Groups throughout England and Wales. The key aims are to raise the profile of the Rape Crisis Movement, to act as a national voice for female survivors of sexual violence and abuse and to represent the interests of Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse services.

Email: info@rapecrisis.org.uk
Website: http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk/
Opening Hours: Emails usually responded to within 24 hours

Refuge

Every woman and child experiencing domestic violence has different needs - there is no single package of services to meet those needs, no 'one size fits all'. Instead Refuge offers a range of services which increases women's choices and gives them access to professional support whatever their situation.

Refuge's network of safe houses provides emergency accommodation for women and children when they are most in need.

Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Address: 2-8 Maltravers Street, London, WC2R 3EE.
Email: info@refuge.org.uk
Website: http://www.refuge.org.uk/
Opening Hours: 24 hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge.

Survivors

Survivors is a confidential helpline for male victims of sexual abuse and their partners. Please write with an SAE for information, advice and support.

Helpline: 0845 122 1201
Telephone: 0208 691 8236
Address: 12A Evelyn Court, Grinstead Road, LONDON, SE8 5AD.
Email: info@survivorsuk.org
Website: http://www.survivorsuk.org/
Opening Hours: 7pm-10pm Mon/Tue/Thu

The Hideout

The Hideout provides help, information and support for children and young people - whether you're currently living with violence, you've experienced violence in the past or if you know someone else going through it and you're looking for help and information.  The site is managed by Women's Aid.

Website: http://www.thehideout.org.uk/

Women at Risk

If you would like details about the work of Women at Risk contact them at the address below.

They also operate the Refuge National Crisis Line.

Helpline: 0870 5 995 443
Telephone: 01753 830861
Address: PO Box 311, Windsor, SL4 1UP.
Opening Hours: The Refuge Line operates 24 hours a day.

Women's Aid Federation (England)

Women's Aid is run by women for women who have suffered domestic violence. It provides free, confidential advice, information and counselling They can put you in touch with local Women's Aid contacts and provide safe emergency temporary accommodation.
 
There is a dedicated email for the helpline service: helpline@womensaid.org.uk 

Helpline: 0808 2000 247 / helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Telephone: 0117 944 44 11
Address: PO Box 391, Bristol, BS99 7WS.
Fax: 0117 924 1703
Email: info@womensaid.org.uk
Website: http://www.womensaid.org.uk/
Opening Hours: The Helpline is freephone and is open 24 hours