Domestic Violence and Abuse

Domestic abuse isn't just physical. It's about someone you know trying to control your life. This could be a partner, ex-partner, or someone in the family. It can be financial, psychological, emotional or sexual.  Living with it can affect long term wellbeing and self-esteem and if children are living in the same house, they will be affected too.

Anyone can be abused, regardless of their social background, age, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. In issues of Honour Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation, the abuser(s) seek to justify what they are doing for reasons of family honour, culture or traditions.

Read our guide to spotting the signs of an abusive relationship (.pdf) (1.42MB) (Opens in a New Window) and about local services that can help you and your family.

Find out more about:

• Domestic Abuse Services in Broxtowe
• Housing Options and Homelessness
• Make a Stand Campaign
• White Ribbon Campaign

Domestic Abuse Services in Broxtowe

1 in 4 women are affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime and each week at least 2 women are killed by their partner or ex-partner. 

Don’t suffer in silence – there are services and support available to women, men and families affected by Domestic Abuse.

If you are ever in immediate danger, please call the police on 999.

National sources of help and advice with domestic abuse and signposting

• If you are experiencing violence or abuse in a same-sex relationship you can call Broken Rainbow on 0300 999 5428 (National Helpline)

• Forced Marriage Unit - Phone +44 (0) 20 7008 0151

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Housing Options and Homelessness

If you feel you are at risk of harm there are alternatives you could explore such as the Sanctuary Scheme, which can carry out safety works in your home such as changing locks, fireproof letterboxes and panic rooms. Call Broxtowe Council’s Housing Options Team on 0115 917 7777 for further information.

If however, you think you need leave your home, try to arrange temporary housing from the council before you leave. Not everyone leaving home due to violence is entitled to emergency accommodation. If you are a woman leaving domestic abuse, try to find a place in a women's refuge. WAIS can help you with this. Take some essentials with you such as a change of clothes, toiletries and any medication you need to take regularly. Try to bring important items such as your passport, bank and credit cards and mobile phone.

Do not make a decision to give up your home permanently until you have spoken to an adviser and considered all your options.

You can apply to our Housing Options Team as a homeless person if you cannot stay in your home. The council has to give you advice about finding somewhere to live. Some people are entitled to emergency accommodation. If the council has a duty to find you somewhere to live, you will be asked to provide details of your situation. You may be asked for supporting evidence, which could include details and dates of incidents. You can take a friend or an adviser with you for support.

The Housing Options service confirms whatever you discuss with the service will always remain completely confidential.

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Make A Stand

The Council has signed the Chartered Institute of Housing’s pledge to “Make a Stand” and commit to supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.

The Make a Stand pledge focuses on 4 key areas:

1. Put in place and embed a policy to support residents who are affected by domestic abuse
2. Make information about national and local domestic abuse support services available on our website and in other appropriate places so that they are easily accessible for residents and staff
3. Put in place a HR policy, or amend an existing policy, to support members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse
4. Appoint a champion at a senior level in our organisation to own the activity we are doing to support people experiencing domestic abuse

Visit the Make A Stand website. (Opens in a New Window)

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White Ribbon Campaign

The Council is a White Ribbon Accredited local authority, working to end male violence against women. We're helping to promote the message that men must never excuse, commit or remain silent about male violence against women.

At Broxtowe, we have developed an action plan which includes working with local groups, employees, Elected Members and partnership organisations to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse and the White Ribbon Campaign. 

Visit the White Ribbon website. (Opens in a New Window)

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