Domestic violence

Last modified 13/07/10 at 14:36

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What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is an actual or threatened act of harassment, assault or abuse against any person living in the same premises. Some examples are:

• physical abuse, such as slapping, pushing, kicking, punching and stabbing.
• sexual abuse, such as rape and non-consensual sexual acts.
• emotional or psychological abuse, such as intimidation, isolation, verbal abuse, humiliation, not allowing friends or relatives to visit or phone, destroying belongings.
• ‘honour’ violence, forced marriage, dowry abuse, female genital mutilation.
• financial abuse, denial of rights or restricting your personal freedom, such as withholding money or medical help.

Domestic abuse can occur within any household and against men or women. There is no excuse for domestic abuse and the victim is never responsible for the abuser's behaviour.

How do we deal with domestic abuse?

We believe that every person has the right to be safe from abuse and fear. You can contact us by phone, email, in person or on our website. We will offer you advice when you first contact us on how to keep yourself and your family safe and arrange for an officer to contact you to discuss options with you in confidence. We can also refer you to a local support agency who can help you.

What can I do to stop the abuse?

Report the abuse to the police. The police take domestic abuse very seriously and have specially trained officers to deal with this area of crime. You can report domestic abuse to the police without having to press charges. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

I need a safe place to stay. Where can I go?

If you cannot stay in your home there are several options:

• Local Authority Homelessness Department – in certain circumstances the local authority has a legal duty to find you temporary accommodation if you are experiencing domestic abuse. Further details are available from Mole Valley District Council - Domestic abuse (Note: Link opens in a new window.)

• A refuge will provide accommodation and support to you (and your children) if you are
  escaping abuse. They can give you benefits and legal advice and give you space to think clearly about your situation.

What about legal action?

Legal action can be taken by you or by Mole Valley Housing Association, depending on the circumstances. Possible actions include:

• injunctions
• possession action (if the perpetrator is a tenant.)

You can apply to court under the Family Law Act 1998 to get:

• a non-molestation order, or
• an occupation order.

These orders can grant permission for the victim to remain in the property and prevent the abuser from coming to the property. We can provide you with more information about these options. If you decide to take your own legal action you should seek advice from a Law Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau. You may be able to get Legal Aid.

I want to move permanently to get away from the abuser. What can I do?

We will work within our local lettings arrangements to see if we can help you to move.

Options may also include:

• transfer – where your landlord has a transfer scheme in operation.
• mutual exchange (if you would like to use a PC at our offices we can arrange this for you.)
• it may be possible for a housing manager to make a decision to arrange a move for you, this is known as a management move.

Arranging a permanent move may take some time, however, our main focus is on helping you to remain safely in your own home.

What are our standards for dealing with domestic abuse?

• We will arrange for you to speak to staff in a private and safe environment.
• Where possible we will provide staff of the same sex if you ask for this.
• We will work with you to agree an action plan for managing your case. This will include agreeing how we will keep in touch.
• We will work with other agencies to find effective and quick solutions.
• We will review all open cases after 3 months. If we feel a case should be closed, we will discuss this with you and give you an opportunity to appeal.
• We will treat you in a sympathetic and supportive manner and follow our confidentiality guidelines.
• We will take legal action where appropriate, advising you of your rights.

How can I find out more information?

You can contact us by phone, email, letter, in person or through this website. We have listed below some useful contacts. In the case of an emergency you should always contact the emergency services on Tel : 999

Useful contacts:

• East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services, covering Reigate and Banstead, Mole Valley and Tandridge. Tel: 01737 771350. www.esdas.org.uk

• Citizen Advice Bureaux. Free, confidential, impartial and independent advice. Leatherhead. Tel: 01372 375522. Dorking. Tel: 01306 876805.www.citizensadvice.org.uk

• London Centre for Domestic Violence. Specialising in helping victims of domestic violence obtain non molestation orders (injunctions) from the court to protect them from further abuse. Tel: 08448 044999 or 08009 702070. www.lcdv.co.uk

• Surrey Police. Tel: 0845 125 2222 (non emergency) www.surrey.police.uk

• Surrey Women's Aid. Tel: 01483 776822. www.surreywa.org.uk

• Victim Support provides free and confidential support to help people affected by crime deal with their experience, whether or not the crime is reported. Tel: 0845 3030 900.www.victimsupport.org.uk

• Women’s Aid and Refuge run a Freephone 24 hour Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247. The Women’s Aid website provides a lot of information and advice www.womensaid.org.uk

• Men's Aid provide support, practical information, advice on solicitors and local domestic abuse projects, to male sufferers of domestic violence. You can call their helpline 0871 223 9986 or go to their website at www.mensaid.com