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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

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, an alarm 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 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 Support Services Team on 0800 833 160.

 

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.

A group of passionate young people in Essex have co-created an animation about relationships with the support of the Essex Youth Service. The “Relationships: Bee-ing healthy” video can support young people to develop healthy relationships: Relationships: Bee-ing healthy (youtube.com)

 

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

 

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

Safelives - email info@safelives.org.uk

There is currently a national lack for services to help victims/survivors with migrant status, Government is being pushed to work on this.