Domestic Abuse
Help and advice on Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can take many forms, and should never be tolerated.
Ocean Housing takes its responsibilities seriously in safeguarding the independence, safety and wellbeing of all tenants.
We believe that nobody should live in fear of domestic abuse and will take steps to identify, assist and support any customer in this situation.
You can contact the national domestic violence helpline at any time on 0808 2000 247
If it is an emergency and / or someone is in immediate danger please call 999
Your questions
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse, or domestic violence, is defined across Government as any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality. It includes a range of abuse including, but not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse.
Coercive and controlling behaviour, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and stalking and harassment are also covered.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity.
What are the signs?
• Do they play mind games and make you doubt your judgment?
• Do they control your money, or make sure you are dependent on them for everyday things?
• Do they pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to?
• Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making them angry?
• Do they control your access to medicine, devices or care that you need?
• Do they monitor or track your movements or messages?
• Do they use anger and intimidation to frighten and control you
• Do they make threats and do things just to scare you
• Do they put you down just to make me feel bad
• Do they make me you do things that you don’t want to do without listening
• They make me feel guilty if I don’t spend time with them.
• They don’t try to get on with my friends or family.
• Do they hit, slap or push
• Do they want to know where you are all the time.
• Do they steal from you or make you buy them things.
These are only some of the signs if you suspect that you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic abuse you are encouraged to report your suspicions to the police.
You can also report it to us by telephone, e-mail, in person, letter and on-line through our website and social media.
What can Ocean do to help me?
• We will give you confidential advice and work with you, alongside other appropriate agencies, to minimise the risk to you and provide the right support to keep you and your family safe.
• We will work to ensure your home is safe for you and your family and put you in touch with specialist agencies that can help you take any legal action that is needed.
• We will continue to work with you to keep you safe.
Will Ocean make me report to the police?
An incident of domestic abuse may have already been bought to the attention of police, either by you, a family member or neighbour calling them during the incident. If you are reporting to Ocean initially, no one will make you report to the police unless you want to.
Please note that domestic abuse is a crime and you (and any children you have), deserve to live free from the fear of abuse.
Will I be putting my tenancy at risk if I ask for help?
You will not be placing your tenancy at risk by reporting domestic abuse. There are a variety of measures that can be considered; some depend on the type of tenancy you have too.
Should you feel safer by moving out of your property temporarily – to family, a refuge or temporary accommodation (via the local authority) you will not be deemed to have abandoned your property, but you should let us know that you are not living in your property and how we can contact you.
Local
Safer Futures
Helpline available Monday to Friday 9am-9pm and Saturday 9am- 5pm – 0300 777 4777
Cornwall Women’s Refuge Trust
Tel: 01872 277814
https://cornwellrefugetrust.co.uk
Cornwall rape and Sexual Assault Centre
Tel: 01872 262100
www.crasacornwell.co.uk
Refuge4Pets
Tel: 0300 4000 121
https://refuge4pets.org.uk
National
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic abuse regardless of their financial circumstances.
Tel: 0800 970 2070
www.ncdv.org.uk
National Domestic Abuse helpline
Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk (access live chat Mon-Fri 3-10pm)
AVA
AVA provides a range of services to organisations and agencies working in the voluntary and statutory sector as well as to individual practitioners. There is information on the website for friends and family worried about someone who is experiencing domestic abuse.
Action on Elder Abuse
Works to challenge and prevent the abuse of older people.
Tel: 0808 802 4040
www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Womens aid
For women who experience domestic abuse - https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
Refuge
The national charity for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Karma Nirvana
Supporting those experiencing honour-based violence and forced marriages.
Tel: 0800 5999 247
Housing Solutions
Offering advice and assistance to those threatened with homelessness within 28 days.
Tel: 03000 26 8000
Childline
For information and advice for children and young people.
Tel: 0800 11 11
www.childline.org.uk
Broken Rainbow National Helpline
Provides services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and Trans (LGBT) people who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Tel: 0300 999 5428
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
Forced Marriage Unit
Provides help and advice for people who are worried they may be forced into marriage and for people who are worried about friends or relatives.
Tel: 020 7008 0151
www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage
IKWRO
The mission is to protect Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence and to promote their rights.
The Traveller movement
The Traveller Movement (TM) is an award winning leading national charity committed to the fulfilment of human rights for ethnic minority Gypsy Roma and Traveller people.
https://travellermovement.org.uk/women-girls
One voice 4 Travellers
Working with and supporting members of the Gypsy Traveller and Roma communities who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress caused by or associated with violence.
https://onevoice4travellers.co.uk/
Chayn
Chayn is a global nonprofit, run by survivors and allies from around the world, creating resources to inform and support the healing of survivors of gender-based violence.
Men’s advice line
Helping male victims of domestic abuse.
Tel: 0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
The Mankind Initiative
Helping male victims of domestic abuse.
Tel: 01823 334 244
www.mankind.org.uk
Galop
Supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.
Stonewall Housing
Works to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people live in safer homes, free from fear, and where identity can be celebrated and support can be given to each other to achieve full potential
https://stonewallhousing.org/.
Victim Support
Provides follow-up support and advice people experiencing domestic abuse.
Tel: 0808 1689 111
Victim Care
Provides follow-up support and advice people experiencing domestic abuse.
Tel: 0303 0401 099
www.victimcareandadviceservice.uk
The hideout
Online support and information for children and young people to help them understand domestic abuse and violence and how to see help.
Rights of Women
Legal advice for women experiencing domestic abuse.
Respect
For people who are worried about their own abusive behaviour or for professionals or others looking for help for an abuser.
Tel: 0808 802 4040
www.respectphone.line.org.uk
You can find our customer domestic abuse policy here
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