Domestic Abuse is the abuse of someone within an intimate or family relationship. It is the repeated, random and habitual use of intimidation to control another person - usually a partner, ex-partner or other family member. The abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual. Anyone forced to alter their behaviour because they're frightened of someone's reaction is being abused.
If you need help or would like further information regarding domestic abuse contact:
Darlington Women's Refuge - Helpline 01325 364486 (Mon-Fri 9.00 am - 5.00 pm)
The Darlington Domestic Abuse Service - Telephone 01325 352501
Housing Services - Telephone 01325 388542
Out of Hours Homeless Emergency Number 0870 2402994
National Domestic Violence Helplinie - Tel: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours-a-day, seven days a week)
Police - 0845 6060365
Domestic violence includes:
- physical or sexual abuse of you or your children.
- deliberately frightening you
- destroying your property
- threatening or behaving badly to you or your children
- insisting on knowing where you are all the time.
Psychological or emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical violence - and the effects can be longer-lasting. Many people carry the emotional scars long after physical injuries have healed. Financial abuse and social isolation are also common features.
We will:
- Provide advice and support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse
- We will not accept any form of domestic abuse in any of our homes
- We will encourage people experiencing domestic abuse to get help and support to make sure they are not in any danger.
- We will help any person experiencing domestic abuse through the homelessness legislation and our tenancy agreement.
When you contact us about your housing need:
- You can ask to speak to "Anita" (this is a password) staff will then know domestic abuse is an issue and this ensures a discussion will not take place in a public waiting area
- Interviews will take place in rooms which are private or can be arranged in other
- Officers of the same sex will be available to conduct the interview if this is required
- Interpreters can be arranged by appointment
- All applications will be dealt with in a sympathetic manner
- Contact will never be made with the perpetrator of the violence
- Address will never be disclosed to a third party
- Housing advice will be offered
- Temporary accommodation may be appropriate
Homelessness due to Domestic Abuse
If you live in Council Housing and you make a homeless application due to fleeing domestic abuse you will be making important decisions about your future housing and safety. Please remember that if your application is accepted for homeless priority you will be made one offer of suitable accommodation. We will however take into consideration any safety concerns.
If you refuse your offer without good reason your homeless priority will be removed