Domestic Violence Support
Domestic violence or abuse deeply affects families and the wider community and leaves a devastating impact on survivors. Abuse can take many forms, including emotional and psychological abuse, physical and sexual violence, coercive and controlling behaviour, including economic abuse. Children are deeply affected by living with domestic violence and the harm experienced from witnessing abuse as a child is wide-ranging and well documented.
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Domestic Violence Consultant
The Early Help service have a dedicated Domestic Violence Consultant within their team. For more information or to meet with the DV consultant please contact your local Family Hub. If you are in an emergency situation please contact the police.
Freedom Programme
The Freedom Programme is a course for women who are experiencing domestic abuse or who have experienced it in a past relationship.
It is a support group that helps women to deal with their situation in a confidential and safe environment. It also aims to help women understand and recognise potential unhealthy relationships and signs of abusive behaviour.
If you would like to find out more please ask at your local Family Hub. Alternatively to apply now please complete our online form and someone will be in touch to discuss the next available course dates.
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Support from the police
In an emergency, always call 999. If you are in danger and unable to talk, call 999 and press 55 when prompted.
This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak. Note: Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and doesn't allow the police to track your location.
From a landline: If you call 999 and don't speak or answer questions the operator will transfer you to the police. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again. Calling 999 from a landline automatically gives the police information about your location.
For non-emergency support call 101.
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Family and Children's services
If you are worried that a child or young person is at immediate risk, please contact the assessment and access team immediately at: [email protected] or phone: 020 7641 4000
If you need a service in an emergency between 5pm and 9am on weekdays or 24 hours a day at weekends and bank holidays, you can contact the Emergency Duty Team on 020 7641 2388.
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Other organisations who can help
Useful contacts:
- National Domestic Violence Helpline, 0808 2000 247
- London LGBT Abuse Partnership, 020 7704 2040, advice and therapeutic services
- Shelter, 0808 800 4444, for advice on housing and homelessness
- Karma Nirvana Honour Based Abuse Helpline, 0800 5999 247
- IKWRO Women's Rights Organisation, 020 7920 6460
- Victim Support Helpline, 0808 1689 111, emotional support for those affected by crime
- The Mix, 0808 808 4994, free information and support for under 25s in the UK
- Respect Men’s Advice Line, 0808 801 0327, helpline for men affected by domestic abuse
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Maternity Action, 0845 600 85 33
Legal support
- Legal Aid Agency, 0345 345 4 345
- Rights of Women, 020 7251 6577, free legal advice
- The Law Society, help finding a solicitor
- Resolution, help finding a family lawyer, 01689 820272
- Bar Council, help finding a barrister, 020 7611 1472
- Solicitors Regulation Authority, 0370 606 2555
- Bar Standards Board, 020 7611 1444
- Law Centres Network, 020 7749 9120
- Advocate
- FLOWS, RCJ Advice, 0203 745 7707
- Family Rights Group, 0808 801 0366, for advice on involvement of children services or local authority
- Coram Children’s Legal Centre, for advice on law relating to family, 0300 330 5480
- Support Through Court, 020 7947 7701
- Court forms