Help for Victims of Domestic Violence

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, there are a number of options you may wish to consider. There are also a number of agencies who will assist and support you, in whatever action you decide to take. Domestic violence in any form is a crime and is unacceptable.

Where to go for help

If you are suffering from domestic violence you can contact the following agencies. All have independent domestic violence advisors who can provide emotional support and advice to victims on housing, legal and children's issues.

• If you are in immediate danger, you should call the Police on 999
• National Domestic Violence Helpline (freephone- 24 hour) 0808 2000 247
• Bede House domestic violence project 020 7237 9162
• Southwark Refuge floating support 020 7231 5514
• Victim Support Southwark Domestic Violence Project 020 7277 1433
• Police community support unit (CSU) for advice on legal solutions such as injunctions and occupation orders 020 7232 6238
• For housing advice and possible assistance with emergency housing call 020 7525 5950 or 020 7525 5000 (outside office hours)
  

If you are a council tenant, you need to seek assistance from your Area Housing Office. Ask to see your housing officer, who will refer your case to SASBU for initial assistance and assessment.  You have the right to approach any authority in England and Wales for assistance if it is deemed unsafe for you to remain in your borough of residence.

Leaving home 

Women who have to leave home because of violence or threats of violence may find a place to live at a women’s refuge. These are usually ordinary houses shared by women and their children. There are refuges available all over the country, so if you don’t feel safe in your own area you could be placed in one that is a distance from your old home. The addresses of refuges are kept secret to protect residents from their ex-partners. Refuge staff will be on hand to provide emotional support, help with claiming benefits and may help you find more permanent accommodation.

Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for further information on accessing a refuge space.

Staying in your home

Southwark Council, in partnership with Victim Support Southwark and Refuge, has set up a sanctuary scheme to help victims of domestic violence who wish to stay in their own home, but need help to do so in safety.

The sanctuary scheme provides increased security to the victim and their home, including

• a secure room to which the victim and their family can retreat in an emergency
• strengthened locks, window frames and fire resistance
• community alarms, linked directly to the police who will give priority to calls.
  

Accessing the scheme

Access to the sanctuary scheme is through a risk assessment of the victim's circumstances, which will determine whether it is safe for them to remain in their own home with additional security measures. Call 020 7277 1433 to arrange an assessment.

You can find out more about how this works and about how to join the scheme in Southwark sanctuary scheme (pdf 902 kb) guide. To view this document you will need Adobe Reader.

Contact us

Housing options services
Tel: 020 7525 5950
Fax: 020 7525 4088
hsg.has@southwark.gov.uk
25 BournemouthRoad                                                                                                                                                                     SE15 4UJ
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (10am on Wednesdays)