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Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is controlling behaviour and includes all kinds of physical, sexual and emotional abuse within all kinds of intimate and family relationships.

It happens to 1 in 4 women during their lifetime but most of it is not reported to anyone so it can go on for 7 years or 35 beatings before it is reported. Men also can suffer from domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse can undermine your confidence and make you feel unable to act. Please don’t wait until it is too late. Housing Options can help to keep you safe, advise you of your options and put you in touch with people who can help and support you.

Where you can get help

  • Victims needing support, advice and advocacy, including through the criminal justice system, should be referred to Sandwell Women’s Aid’s Independent Advocacy Service.  This service employs advocates supporting referrals from police, health professionals, housing and children’s social care.  The service supports both female and male victims and support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0121 553 0090.  Calls to this number outside of normal office hours will be directed to Sandwell Women’s Aid’s 24 hour helpline.   

 

  • For a full range of services including access to emergency accommodation, rape and sexual violence services please visit Sandwell Women’s Aid website; www.sandwellwomensaid.co.uk or call the number above.

 

  • Where there are concerns about children living in a domestic abuse household, agencies should continue to report them via ACCESS on 0845 351 0131; 

    Other options available to you :
  • If you are immediate danger phone the police on 999
  • Contact a Domestic Violence Officer at the Police
  • Contact Housing Options Service for advice about ways to keep safe in your home or re-housing
  • Obtain a place in a women’s refuge
  • Information on forced marriage
Useful contact details
  • Housing Options 0121 569 6000 (Option 3)
  • Housing Options Out of Hours 0121 525 4688
  • Humdard 24hr Help-Line (advice & support) 0845 607 6474
  • Sandwell Women’s Aid 24hr Help-line 0121 552 6448
  • Refuge places Free Phone 24hr Helpline 0808 2000 247
  • West Midlands Police 0845 113 5000

Domestic abuse self risk assessment

These questions, answered either "No", "Sometimes" or "Yes", are to help try and give you some idea of the level of risk you may be in if you are suffering domestic abuse.

You will not have to share your responses with anyone unless you choose to. The more ‘Yes’ responses you have the more at risk you are.

The questions might lead you to think closely about your relationships and the situation you are in. You may find this difficult but remember there are organisations that are there to help and support you.
  • Am I experiencing abuse that is getting worse or more frequent?
  • Do they misuse drugs, alcohol or other substances or experience mental health difficulties?
  • Are there children that overhear, witness or experience the abuse?
  • Do I feel isolated from my family, friends or community?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and you have answered "Yes" or "Sometimes" to any of these questions please contact any of the organisations below who will advise and support you to make choices and decisions that are right for you.
  • Housing Options Out of Hours 0121 569 6000 (Option 3)
  • Sandwell Women’s Aid 24hr Helpline 0121 552 6448
  • West Midlands Police Domestic Violence Officers 0845 113 5000
  • In an emergency always contact the police on 999

Sanctuary Scheme

Many people who experience domestic abuse have to leave their own homes to escape from the violence and abuse they have suffered. Sometimes people have to do this several times which means that their lives and their children’s lives are severely disrupted.

What is a Sanctuary Scheme?

The Sanctuary Scheme provides:
  • Options for people to stay in their own homes and feel safe
  • Security to your property so it is more difficult for unwanted visitors to gain access
Who is eligible for the Sanctuary Scheme?

The Sanctuary Scheme is available for anyone living in Sandwell, who is or could become homeless because of domestic violence. It is available to council and housing association tenants, or people who rent from private landlord or own their own property.

What can the Sanctuary Scheme provide?

The Sanctuary Scheme is tailored to the needs and circumstances of the individual. It offers a range of additional security measures to your home and support from a range of agencies that will help you, if you are suffering domestic abuse, to remain in your home and feel safe, and prevent you from becoming homeless.

Support for you and your family

As well as giving you the physical safety in your home, the Sanctuary Scheme will provide each family with a named person whose role it is to offer support and deal with any issues that may occur in relation to the setting up of the scheme within your home. The installation of a Sanctuary does not guarantee complete safety to you or your household.

Referrals to the Sanctuary Scheme
  • If you are concerned for your safety you can ask for the Sanctuary Scheme
  • Any agency or organisations working with Sandwell can ask on your behalf
  • You can contact Housing Options Teams on 0121 569 6000 (Option 3)
How does it work?

You and your family will be offered support to help you adjust to the security measures in your home. This support will be ongoing if necessary. You will be asked to complete a form so we can ensure that the service you were provided was to your satisfaction.

Other support available
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