Domestic violence and finding a safe home

If you are being abused, threatened, or physically or sexually assaulted by a partner, former partner, or a family member, then you are the victim of domestic violence.

Domestic violence can involve a wide range of abusive and controlling behaviour including:

• Physical - hitting, biting, punching, breaking bones, choking.
• Psychological - constant criticism, bullying, insults, being kept locked up, humiliation, threats to harm or kill, stalking.
• Sexual - forcing sex in ways that hurt or abuse or in front of others, enforced prostitution.
• Financial - keeping someone without money or threatening to withhold money.

Who can you talk to?

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing domestic violence there are a range of services that can offer help and support.

In an emergency you should always ring the police on 999

National Domestic Violence Helpline

The Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf. The Helpline can give support, help and information over the telephone.

National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247

Bexley Women's Aid

Bexley Women's Aid is a local charity with over 30 years' experience of helping women and children who experience domestic abuse. Their mission is to enable and empower women and children experiencing domestic abuse to obtain and sustain a safe living environment.

Bexley Women's Aid helpline 020 8301 1536 (available 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday)

Bexley Police

The police in Bexley have a specialist Community Safety Unit for domestic violence, race, hate and homophobic crime.

Bexleyheath Police Station
2 Arnsberg Way
Bexleyheath
DA7 4QS

Telephone number: 101

In an emergency you should always ring the police on 999

Crisis Intervention Team

The Independent Domestic Violence Advisers provide an immediate response to domestic violence crisis situations. The adviser will carry out a risk assessment and work with partner agencies including the Police, Social Services and Women's Aid to provide help and support to the victims of domestic violence.

Crisis Intervention Team - 020 8303 7777

Free Legal Advice

The Crisis Intervention Team at the London Borough of Bexley works in partnership with T G Baynes solicitors to offer free legal advice to those experiencing difficulties within the family. Advice includes:

• Child contact/access
• Divorce and separation
• Injunctions/non-molestation orders/non-occupation orders

If you would like to speak to someone in confidence please contact the Crisis Intervention Team on 020 8303 7777 to arrange an appointment.

The Freedom Programme

This is a FREE 12-week rolling programme for any woman living in Bexley who has experienced, or is experiencing domestic abuse.

The Freedom Programme aims to:

• Help women understand the beliefs held by abusive men and in so doing recognising which of these beliefs they have shared.
• Illustrate the effects of domestic violence on children.
• Assist women to recognise potential future abusers.
• Help women gain self-esteem and the confidence to improve the quality of their lives.
• Introduce women to community resources.

Contact the Crisis Intervention Team at the London Borough of Bexley on 020 8303 7777 for further information or visit the official Freedom Programme website by selecting the link on the right hand menu.

Men's Advice Line

The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse. The advice line can offer emotional support, practical advice and information on a wide range of services that can offer further help and support. The focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic violence (and the safety of their children) and reduce the risk.

Links to websites are available on the right hand menu.

Men's Advice Line - 0808 801 0327

Mankind

Mankind is a national organisation that offers support and advice to men that are the victims of domestic violence.

Mankind - 01823 334244

Broken Rainbow UK

Broken Rainbow UK is an organisation dedicated to confronting and eliminating domestic violence within and against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Help line - 0300 999 5428 (Monday and Thursday 2pm - 8pm and Tuesday and Wednesday 10am - 5pm)

Email: help@brokenrainbow.org.uk