Domestic Violence

This leaflet explains what emergency housing options are available when you are experiencing or threatened with domestic violence, from a current partner, an ex-partner, or anyone else that lives with you.

What to do first

If you are in immediate danger you may need to leave your home. Contact the police who can help you get to a safe place and then speak to someone about your options.

It might be possible to stay with your family or friends who can offer extra support.

Refuges

These are houses for women that offer a safe place to stay, while you decide what to do next. Refuge locations are kept secret to protect you from people who have been violent towards you. There are refuges all over the country so if you don't feel safe in your area you can be placed in one which is far away from your home.

Most refuges accept women and children. Some have restrictions on boys over a certain age. Male visitors are not usually allowed. There are specialist refuges that help certain groups, for example, Asian women. Refuge workers can offer emotional and practical support and help you claim benefits. They can also discuss your longer term housing options.

There are no refuges for men, but there is a national helpline for men who have been victims of violence, sexual assault and rape. The number is listed at the end of this leaflet.

Help from the council

You should be able to get help from the council. Go to the council's homeless persons unit and tell them your situation. The council should put you in temporary accommodation whilst they look into your situation. You don't have to prove that you have been harmed. The council should also help you if you have been threatened with violence but not yet harmed.

Staying in your home

If you want to stay in your home you may be able to get an injunction to stop the violent person from coming near you. An injunction is an order from the court which tells a person what they can or cannot do. It is possible to get an injunction at very short notice.

You don't have to prove violence to get an injunction but you may have to speak to the police and report the person who has been violent or who has threatened you with violence.

You can get an injunction to stop the violent person entering your home if:

you own the property (even if you own jointly)
the tenancy is in your name (even if you rent jointly)
you are married to the legal owner or tenant

If none of these situations apply, you can't stop the violent person from entering your home, but you can get an injunction ordering him/her to stop being violent or abusive. Even if you can get an injunction to stop the violent person coming near you, this should not stop the council from helping you.

Where to go for help

For advice, support and help with finding somewhere safe to stay in the UK you can call:

Refuge 24 hour crisis line: 0870 599 5443

Freephone National Domestic Violence helpline: 0808 2000 247

Survivors UK (Men's helpline): 020 77613 0808 (Tues 7-10pm)

Further information

This leaflet is only a basic introduction to the options available to people experiencing violence. For more information about emergency and longer term options go to www.shelternet.org.uk or ring Shelterline on 0808 800 4444 (24 hour freephone).

Published August 2002.

This document was provided by Shelter.