domestic violence leaflet
DESCRIPTION
domestic, violence, leafletTRANSCRIPT
Tr a n s f o rm i n g L i ve s
Domestic abuse
Take back control of your life
www.stockporthomes.org
Domestic abuse2
Accessing our services
This leaflet gives you information about domestic abuse. If you would like a copy in large print, Braille, on audiotape or CD, please contact the Social Inclusion Team on0161 474 2860, email: [email protected], text: 07891 949 399 or fax: 0161 474 2869.
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First steps
If you are experiencing any kind of abuse from someone close to you, take these three important steps:
1. Recognise that it is happening to you.
2. Accept that you are not to blame.
3. Get the help and support you need to protect yourself. You do not have to deal with this on your own.
The Police take domestic abuse seriously and will respond to all incidents. There are specialist Police Officers in the Police Domestic Violence Unit. You can contact them on0161 856 7974 / 0161 856 9627 / 0161 856 7936.
In an emergency you should always contact 999.
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Stockport Homes can help
There are many forms of domestic abuse including emotional, physical, mental and sexual. If you (or someone you know) are suffering from domestic abuse and need to leave the situation, your Area Housing Office can help. The team will deal sensitively and confidentially with anything you tell them, as well as giving you practical help and advice.
We can help victims of domestic abuse to stay in their home (if they want to) by:• Takingoutinjunctionsagainstthepersoncausingthe
abuse and exclude them from the property.• Workingwithourpartneragenciestohelpinsetupa
sanctuary scheme. A sanctuary scheme is when we provide extra security measures in the home which means it is a place of safety.
• ProvidingcontactdetailsforaDomesticAbuseOutreachWorker.
• Providingdetailsofagenciesthatcanadviseandhelpwith issues around children.
A Housing Officer is on call 24 hours a day including weekends and can arrange emergency, temporary and safe accommodation such as a women’s refuge. If necessary, for safety reasons, we can also seek accommodation outside of Stockport. We will also assist in accessing the housing register if this is what is wanted.
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Leaving an abusive situation
If you decide that you wish to leave then here is some practical advice:
• Leave when it is safe to do so.
• Have some money saved in case you need to use a taxi or bus.
• If you don’t have a mobile phone, find somewhere you can quickly and safely use the phone should you need to.
• Take important documents such as your marriage and birth certificate, any court orders, passport, benefit and bankbooks, and health records.
• Have a small bag already packed with an extra set of keys for the house and car should you need to leave in an emergency.
• If you choose to leave, try to take your children with you.
• Take essential medicines that you and your children may need.
• If you later discover that you have left something essential behind, you can always arrange for a Police escort so that you can return for it. Don’t return to your property alone.
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Useful contact numbers
In an emergency call 999
Stockport Without AbuseTel: 0161 477 4271Web: www.stockportwithoutabuse.org.uk
Stockport Women’s CentreTel: 0161 355 4455
Stockport Homes’ Housing Options TeamTel: 0161 474 4237 0161 477 2626 (Out-of-hours) Email: [email protected] Web: www.stockporthomes.org
Stockport Victim SupportTel: 0161 477 9597 Web: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Stockport Welfare RightsTel: 0161 474 3093
Greater Manchester Women’s Domestic Abuse HelplineTel: 0161 636 7525 (Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm)
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Useful contact numbers
Stockport Domestic Abuse ForumWeb: www.stockportdaf.org.uk
Greater Manchester Against Domestic AbuseWeb: www.endthefear.co.uk
Domestic Abuse Helpline (Greater Manchester)Tel: 0161 636 7525
Domestic Violence Helpline (National)Tel: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour free and confidential advice)
St. Mary’s Hospital Sexual Assault Referral CentreTel: 0161 276 6515 (24 hours)Email: [email protected] Web: www.stmaryscentre.org
Rights of Women Tel: 020 7251 6577 (free, confidential legal advice helpline)Web: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
Elderly Abuse Response Line Tel: 0800 074 9985 (Mon, Weds, Thurs 9.30am – 12.30pm)
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Useful contact numbers
Age UKTel: 0161 480 1211Web: www.ageuk.org.uk
Paws for KidsTel: 01204 394 842 (fosters pets and gives advice)Email: [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.pawsforkids.org.uk
Saheli(asianwomen’sproject)Tel: 0161 945 4187
Men’s Advice Line (for male victims)Tel: 0808 801 0327 (free and confidential)Email: [email protected] Web: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
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