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Domestic Abuse

South Essex Homes is committed to providing advice and assistance to any victim of domestic abuse.

Where can I get help and support?

Essex Police have a freephone number for victims of domestic violence: 0800 358 0351. This is an alternative to the non-emergency number 101.  Always call 999 in an emergency.

The Essex domestic abuse helpline (COMPASS) can be reached on 0330 333 7 444 and further below is a list of specialist support services.

We actively condemn any act of abuse whether it be verbal, psychological, physical or sexual and we do this by including specific sections in our Conditions of Tenancy relating to this.  We will take action against any tenant who abuses a member of their household.

You can read our Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Policy here: Domestic Abuse and VAWG policy.pdf[pdf] 195KB

If you think you are a victim of domestic abuse we will provide a confidential and supportive service. 

If you do not feel safe in your home because of domestic abuse we can provide extra security or just advice and support.

What can we do to help?

If you report domestic violence in person or on the telephone, we will give immediate advice. If you write to us, where appropriate we will respond within three working days.  

In an emergency you should always dial 999 and ask for the police. You can also call 101 if the issue is not an emergency but you would still like to talk to the police.

We can offer:

  • advice and help with security for South Essex Homes tenants
  • housing and tenancy advice and help if you need to move home
  • information and make referrals on your behalf
  • benefits and money advice 
  • Free counselling ongoing support and advice 

Contact the Housing Community Safety Team on 0800 833 160 or email hcst@seh.southend.gov.uk

 

Domestic Abuse (DA) is defined by the government as:

'Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, of have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.'

DA can include, but is not limited to any of the following types of abuse:

  • Psychological
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Emotional

DA also includes so called 'honour' based violence such as female genital mutilation and forced marriages.

South Essex Homes is committed to providing advice and assistance to any victim of domestic abuse.  We encourage residents to get in touch if they are affected by domestic abuse so that they can receive the right help, support and advice.  There are also many other local organisations that can offer support and advice - please see below useful numbers and contact details of local agencies and organisations.

DAHA Accreditation

logo for DAHA accredited organisations

South Essex Homes has received accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance for the steps we have taken, and continue to take, to provide the best possible service to residents who may be experiencing domestic abuse.

You can find out more about this accreditation in the news story here: DAHA Accreditation | Latest News | South Essex Homes

 

Specialised help

If you require any information in your preferred language, please contact our Communications team and we will be happy to arrange that for you.

Deafness/ hard of hearing

Refuge

  • Interpreter service (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm)
  • Live chat service (Mon-Fri 3pm-10pm)

 

LGBTQ+

Galop - 0800 999 5428

  • Specialist webchat available (weds&thurs 5pm-8pm)

LGBT Plus  -  0800 020 9653 or email info@lgbtplus.org.uk (Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm)

 

Race, religion, and culture

Sistah Space Sistah Space (for black women) - email info@sistah-space.co.uk

Action Aid & NSPCC (for those affected by FGM) - call 0800 028 3550 (free 24/7) or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk

Forward (African women led) - call 02089604000 extension 1 (Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm) or email support@forwarduk.org.uk

Karma Nirvana - Call 0800 5999 247 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm)

 

Physical disabilities

Living without abuse (LWA) - call 08088020028 (mon-sun 8am-8pm)

Ann Craft Trust - call 01115 951 5400 or email ann-craft-trust@nottingham.ac.uk

 

Mental health

Mind - call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk

Women's aid

 

Men

ManKind - call 01823334244 (weekdays 10am-4pm)

RESPECT - call 08088010327

Refuge - call 08082000247

 

Migrant status

If you have a migrant status and are experiencing domestic abuse, help and support are available. Even if you have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), you still have the right to:
  • Police protection if you are in danger
  • Free NHS care and treatment
  • Support from domestic abuse services and refuges
These services can help keep you safe and meet your immediate needs, even if you are not entitled to certain public benefits. 
It's important to get advice from an accredited immigration adviser or solicitor. They can help you understand your options, check your immigration status, and explore whether you qualify for help under the Domestic Violence Rule or other Home Office concessions.
You can find more information and support from the following organisations:
Apply for the migrant victims of domestic abuse concession - GOV.UK
Home | Rights of Women - free legal advice for women on immigration and domestic abuse
Home - Southall Black Sisters - specialist support for Black and minority ethnic women
Refuge, the UK's largest specialist domestic abuse organisation - 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

 

Stopping Abusive Behaviour

ReSET is a safe space and support for residents of Southend, Essex and Thurrock who want to make changes to their abusive behaviours towards partners or family members.

ReSET Essex Digital.pdf [pdf] 278KB

Case Study: Supporting a Victim Facing Rent Arrears and NRPF

Case Study: Supporting a Domestic Abuse Victim Facing Rent Arrears and NRPF at Introductory Tenancy Review Hearing

Background This case highlights how South Essex Homes (SEH) worked collaboratively with a specialist advice agency to support a resident who had fled domestic abuse (DA) and was struggling with rent arrears due to immigration-related barriers, including No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). The approach demonstrates the importance of understanding the wider impact of DA on tenancy sustainment and recovery.

Resident's Situation The resident had returned to the local area after escaping domestic abuse perpetrated by a family member who had also been their UK sponsor. Due to this abuse and the subsequent loss of their sponsor, the resident faced a complex immigration status that limited access to welfare benefits and support. Without specialist advice at the time of fleeing, they missed critical opportunities to apply for public funds under DA provisions.

Consequently, the resident was unemployed and reliant on informal support from friends and family. They experienced significant hardship, including food insecurity and inability to meet rent payments, resulting in rent arrears exceeding £2,000.

Challenges Faced:

  • The trauma and ongoing impact of domestic abuse, which affected the resident's wellbeing and stability.
  • Immigration restrictions (NRPF) that blocked access to mainstream welfare benefits.
  • Language barriers that complicated efforts to find employment and access support.
  • Repeated unsuccessful attempts to claim Universal Credit, despite having a legal right to work.

Specialist Support and Partnership Working:

South Essex Homes referred the resident to a specialist advice agency for immigration and financial support. The agency assisted the resident to:

  • Submit a new application to the Home Office based on changed circumstances following the death of the sponsor, enabling potential access to support previously unavailable.
  • Apply for financial assistance to clear rent arrears.
  • Access emergency funding for essentials.
  • Receive tailored employment support to overcome language and other barriers.

SEH provided interpreter services and maintained regular contact, ensuring the resident was supported throughout the tenancy review process.

Outcome and Impact:

At the Introductory Tenancy Review Hearing, given the exceptional circumstances and active partnership support, the panel agreed to defer enforcement action for 28 days. This enabled:

  • Time for financial assistance to be processed to clear arrears.
  • Continued specialist support to address immigration and employment barriers.
  • Space for the resident to rebuild stability after fleeing abuse.

Key Impact for the Domestic Abuse Victim:

  • The resident was treated with understanding and compassion, recognising the impact of DA on their housing and financial situation.
  • Early multi-agency intervention helped prevent homelessness and reduced trauma associated with potential eviction.
  • Access to tailored immigration advice and support opened new pathways to welfare and employment.
  • The approach upheld the resident's dignity and fostered hope for long-term tenancy sustainment and recovery.