Domestic Abuse
Providing support to those at risk
What is Domestic Abuse?
The Government definition of domestic abuse is:
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.”
Examples of domestic abuse
Domestic violence and abuse can take different forms. Although it can be very frightening, sometimes it is also very subtle.
Some examples include:
-
- Threats and intimidation – threatening to hurt you or members of your family
- Physical abuse – hitting, shoving, kicking, strangling or slapping, hair pulling, throwing things, choking or smothering even when it doesn’t leave physical marks
- Sexual abuse – performing sexual acts or having sex with you when you don’t want to. This can include the use of threats, intimidation, coercive behaviour or physical force, although it is still sexual abuse even without using these
- Insults by name calling or criticism of your appearance or identity
- Criticism and put-downs
- Forced isolation from your friends and/or family
- Being blamed for every argument or problem, or for the violent behaviour
- Humiliation at home or in public
- Controlling behaviour – telling you what to do or wear, or using manipulation or coercion
- Following you or checking up on your mobile phone, post or internet use
- Financial abuse – preventing you from getting or keeping a job, taking your money away or withholding the family income
Encompass’ Response to Domestic Abuse
- We believe domestic abuse is unacceptable whenever and however it occurs.
- We will always adopt a non-judgemental and believing approach to reports of domestic abuse.
For further information, please see our Domestic Abuse Policy
Encompass’ Response to Domestic Abuse
- We believe domestic abuse is unacceptable whenever and however it occurs.
- We will always adopt a non-judgemental and believing approach to reports of domestic abuse.
For further information, please see our Domestic Abuse Policy
How do I report domestic abuse to Encompass?
You can report domestic abuse to us:
- In person by visiting the Civic Offices, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
- By calling 020 8770 5000
- By email at housingadvice@encompass-latc.co.uk
- By third party referrer by asking any professional you are involved with to make a referral on your behalf
We will always aim to respond in the safest way possible on the day that you contact us.
What will happen next?
- About the abuse – what type of abuse it is and how long it has been taking place
- Your immigration status
- Your address history for the past five years
- Your current living situation eg. council, privately rented or owned, and whose name it is in
- About other members of your household
- Your physical or mental health state
- Your income and provide proof of ID, address, payslips and benefit letters
We will do a risk assessment.
Once we have this information, we can help you decide what to do next.
Some of the possible options might be:
- Leave your home and go into a refuge or emergency accommodation
- Stay in your home and have added security features fitted to keep you safe
- Apply for a transfer or mutual exchange if you are a social housing tenant
- Stay with a friend or family member whilst we help you look for alternative accommodation
- Obtain a court order to keep the abuser away from you and your home
- Approach another local authority for help if you are at risk in Sutton
It might be that you decide you are not ready to take any action and would just like some advice at this stage. That’s ok – we won’t pressure you if you aren’t ready. We will be here if you decide you would like further advice or to take action in the future.
Useful information
- Women’s Aid has a useful guide to fleeing domestic abuse: Making a Safety Plan
- You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline 24 hours a day to talk to someone in confidence on 0808 2000 247
Not Alone in Sutton provides further information on domestic abuse and support available locally.
If you are in any immediate danger, contact the Police