Over the last few months our Tenancy Support team has seen an increase in referrals to support victims of domestic abuse.
Please get in touch if you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are a survivor of abuse, and would like advice and support. We can work with you to ensure you receive the correct support from specialist agencies.
You can be referred by many routes including a self-referral by emailing tenancy.support@guhg.co.uk or ask your housing officer, benefits officer or another professional you are working with, to refer you to the service. Our service is free, confidential, non-judgemental and will be tailored to your needs.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
Please be aware that domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include the following:
- coercive control
- a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation
- financial abuse
- online and digital abuse
- threats and intimidation
- psychological and emotional abuse
- physical and/or sexual abuse
- harassment and stalking.
If you believe that you or someone else could be a victim of domestic abuse, there are signs that you can look out for including:
- being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends
- having bruises, burns or bite marks
- having finances controlled, or not being given enough to buy food or pay bills
- not being allowed to leave the house, or stopped from going to college or work
- having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails or letters
- being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
- being pressured into sex
- being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting.
Please see below for a list of specialist domestic abuse agencies both locally and nationally.
Women’s Aid helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Live chat https://chat.womensaid.org.uk/ Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-12pm
You can also find your local domestic abuse service on their website https://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory/
National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. They provide emotional support and practical advice and can give you details of specialist services that can give you advice on legal, housing, child contact, mental health and other issues.
0808 801 0327 info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Mankind can also offer the same advice as above but can also arrange a refuge and refer you to additional services. Email new@mankind.org.uk 01823 334244
Karma nirvana – national helpline for victims of honour-based abuse, forced marriage and domestic abuse.
Phone: 0800 5999 247 support@karmanirvana.org.uk
Galop National LGBT domestic abuse helpline and webchat service for the LGBT community
Phone: 0800 999 5428 help@galop.org.uk
Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP) BDAP@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Northamptonshire Sunflower Centre
01604 888211 Sunflowercentre@northants.pnn.police.uk
Brightsky App – Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is available to use in Polish, Punjabi and Urdu.
Hollie Guard App – In danger? With a simple shake or tap it activates Hollie Guard, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones.