Domestic Abuse
Contents
We are currently Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) members and going through their accreditation. DAHA accreditation is the UK benchmark for how local authorities and housing associations should respond to domestic abuse in the UK.
You can find out more about the DAHA accreditation process by following this link What is DAHA Accreditation – daha – Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (dahalliance.org.uk)
Domestic Abuse (DA) is defined by the government as:
‘Behaviour of a person towards another person is domestic abuse if the person is 16 or over and are personally connected to each other, and the behaviour is abusive. It does not matter if the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct’
This can include, but is not limited to any of the following types of abuse:
- Physical or sexual abuse.
- Violent or threatening behaviour.
- Controlling or coercive behaviour.
- Economic abuse.
- Psychological, emotional or other abuse.
- Financial or economical abuse.
Domestic Abuse also includes so called ‘honour’ based violence such as female genital mutilation and forced marriages.
Domestic Abuse can happen to anyone. Our Specialist Officers can give advice and support working with other agencies to make sure you get the support you need.
Contact our Specialist Officers on 01206 282851 or 03300538029
Staying Safe Online
Worried about someone knowing what web pages you have been looking at, there are things you can do to hide this activity.
Use your browser’s privacy mode – Find out how to do this
If you select private browsing mode, the browser won’t store your online activity.
Delete browser history – Find out how to do this
All browsers have a ‘history’ or ‘favourites’ tab that list all the online pages visited. Each browser has a different way to clear the online history.
Useful Contacts & Quick Reference
In an emergency always dial 999. Domestic Abuse is a crime, trust your judgement.
Non-emergency – Essex Police Domestic Abuse Central Referral Unit
Dial: 101 Ext 180340 or 08003580351 non- emergency
Stay in your home – Sanctuary Scheme
The Colchester Sanctuary Scheme may be an option for any high risk or repeat victims of domestic abuse.
The Colchester Sanctuary Scheme covers those residents living in the Colchester City only; this includes Colchester City Council (Colchester Borough Homes), Housing Association tenants, privately rented or privately owned properties. This is a potential option for any person who is threatened with homelessness due to domestic abuse.
The Sanctuary Scheme is a long-term solution to improving the victim’s quality of life; therefore, every installation which is made under the Colchester Sanctuary Scheme is tailored to accommodate the needs and circumstances of the individual.
The scheme enhances a person’s property with physical security measures which helps them to feel safe. This ranges from basic additional security to a property such as windows, door locks and external lighting. The main feature being the creation of a sanctuary room* in which an internal door is replaced with a solid core door, reversing to open outwards, acting as an additional barrier (*this is not always suitable due to type of property/construction of walls).
To make a referral, please contact housing.solutions@cbhomes.org.uk
Housing Options
As a Domestic Abuse Survivor you will need to make the big decision on whether to leave your home.
If you decide to leave you will need to think about where you or your family will live. If you are not sure about your housing options then you should seek housing advice.
Colchester Housing Options Team
Tel: 01206 282569
Email: Housing.options@colchester.gov.uk
Essex COMPASS
A partnership of Domestic Abuse services providing a response in Essex.
Tel: Support line 03303337444
Email: enquiries@essexcompass.org.uk
Web: www.essexcompass.org.uk
Benefits
Another consideration you may need to think about are financial concerns. It is important that you seek advice as soon as possible on benefits which you may be entitled to claim.
Tel: 01206 282600
Children
Children who live with domestic abuse also need support.
Childline
A confidential telephone and online counselling for children and young people.
Tel: 0800 1111 – 24 hour helpline
Web: www.childline.org.uk
The Hide Out
A website giving advice and support to children and young people who suffer abuse.
Web: www.thehideout.org.uk
Next Chapter
Tel: 01206 500585/01206 761276
Web: www.thenextchapter.org.uk
CARA
A registered charity working with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, giving independent specialist support.
Tel: 01206 769795
Web: www.caraessex.org.uk
Galop
Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) that experience domestic abuse.
Helpline: 08009995428 (Monday and Thursday 10am-8pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-5pm, Friday 1pm-5pm
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Web: www.galop.org.uk
Citizens Advice
Colchester Central Library drop in service Trinity Square, Colchester CO1 1JB (Monday to Friday 11am-1pm)
Telephone advice 03444770808 (between 9:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday)
Web: www.essexcab.org.uk
Forced Marriage Unit
This unit provides advice who needs help leaving a forced marriage or who is trying to stop a forced marriage.
Tel: 0207 70080151 (weekdays 9am-5pm)
Tel: Out of hours 020 7008 1500 ask for Global Response Centre
Email: fmu@fco.gov.uk
Web: www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage
Elder Abuse
Charity giving help and information about the abuse of older people, including abuse by family members and partners.
Helpline: 08088088141 (Freephone)
Email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
Web: www.elderabuse.org.uk
Women’s Aid
A national charity that works to end abuse against women and children.
Tel: 08082000247 (Freephone 24 hour national domestic violence helpline)
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Web: www.womensaid.org.uk
Race, Religion and Culture
For those affected by Female Genital Mutilation
Action Aid & NSPCC – call 0800 028 3550 (free 24/7) or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
African Families in the UK (AFiUK)
AFiUK stands ready to support domestic abuse victims with culturally appropriate services tailored to their needs. Whether referred by other agencies or walking in, our dedicated Community Ambassadors are here to provide compassionate assistance and guidance. You’re not alone. Reach out to us today. Website: www.afiuk.org email: admin@afiuk.org Tel: 01206 576612
Honour Network Helpline
The Honour Network Helpline is a national helpline run by Karma Nirvana, a national charity which advises victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
Honour Based Abuse Telephone Number: 0800 599 9247 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Website: www.karmanirvana.org.uk
RISE
RISE offers specialised, confidential support for Black and minoritised women. Interpreters may also be available on request. Contact number: 01273 622 828 Website: Black and minoritised communities | RISE (riseuk.org.uk)
Muslim Community Helpline
The Muslim Community Helpline is a confidential, non-judgemental listening and emotional support service. https://muslimcommunityhelpline.org.ukContact Numbers: 0208 908 6715 OR 0208 904 8193. Service Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 am to 1 pm (core hours). Extended service: Mondays 1 pm to 3 pm, Fridays 1-4 pm NEW: Tues: 5-6 pm or Wed: 5-6+ pm, dedicated one to one with male counsellor (call a mobile; pre-booking required which is done by emailing) & Fridays (1 pm to 4 pm).Email: ess4m@btinternet.com
Migrant Status
RAMA (Refuge Asylum seeker and Migrant Action)
RAMA are a voluntary organisation working with refugees, asylum seekers and people with no recourse to public funds.
Contact Us | RAMA – Refugee, Asylum Seeker & Migrant Action
Telephone: 01206 638454
Email: rama@rama.org.uk
Mental Health
Mind
Mental Health Charity
Website Link: Using this tool – Mind
Helpline: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Men
Respect
The helpline for male victims of domestic abuse
Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK (mensadviceline.org.uk)
Telephone Number: 0808 8010327 (Mon–Fri 10am-5pm)
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
The Traveller Movement
Physical Disabilities
Living without abuse (LWA) – call 0808 8020 028 (mon-sun 8am-8pm)
People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect – Better Health Channel
Interpreter
CBH have access to an interpreter through aa global.
Home – AaGlobal
National Domestic Violence Helpline
24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline number: 0808 2000 247 this is a free line that provide a language line facility.
Home | Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk)
Deafness/Hard of Hearing
Refuge
Interpreter service (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm)
Live chat service (Mon-Fri 3pm-10pm)
Sign Health
Our Domestic Abuse Service is a unique, Deaf-led service for Deaf people who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. The service is the first and only one of its kind in the UK.
Our team of Deaf Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and Young People’s Violence Advisors (YPVAs) help bring Deaf people and their children to safety and empower them to build new lives free of fear.
Text 078600 33214 Email info@signhealth.org.uk Call 020 3947 2600
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Younger Persons Service
Y.E.S
Colchester and Tendring Youth Enquiry Service (Y.E.S)
Y.ES provides a confidential, non-judgemental and informal service for young people. Y.E.S can provide help and support with many problems that you may be experiencing, if they are unable to help, they can find someone who can and will support you in getting help. Helpline, support and advice for young people between the ages of 11 and 25 within Colchester and Tendring
Telephone Number: 01206 710 771 (mon-fri 9am-5pm)
Contact form on website – Website: YES | Youth Enquiry Service | Supporting Young People (yesyouthenquiryservice.org)
Email: info@colchesteryes.org.uk
