Domestic Violence is any violent or abusive behaviour that takes place between intimate partners or family members aged 16 or older.
Domestic Abuse can take many forms and can involve psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. It can involve coercive, controlling or threatening behaviour such as not letting you leave the house or threatening to hurt you or your family.
It can also involve:
- sexual harassment and bullying
- stalking
- trafficking and forced prostitution
- female genital mutilation
- forced marriage
- crime committed in the name of ‘honour’.
It is important to remember that the abuse is not your fault. You have the right to live free from fear and abuse and there is support available to help you.
Increase security at your home through the Sanctuary Scheme
The Opendoor Homes Sanctuary Scheme helps victims of domestic violence who live in the London Borough of Barnet to remain in their own home, if it is safe to do so, by increasing the security at their home.
The Sanctuary Scheme is free to victims of domestic violence. You can apply through Opendoor Homes, Barnet Children’s Service, health professionals and other support services. You are eligible to apply if you live in council housing, housing association, private rented or owner-occupied property.
You are still eligible to apply even if you have no recourse to public funds.
You can find out more about the Opendoor Homes Sanctuary scheme by clicking here.
Move to a Women’s Refuge
A Women’s Refuge is a safe house that provides support to women and their children who need to flee their home because of domestic violence.
Refuges are run by trained female staff who can inform you of your options, so that you can make informed choices and make your own decisions to keep you safe. They can also help you and your children to access spaces in refuges across the UK. The addresses of refuges are kept confidential to make sure that the women and their children living there are safe.
The Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline is 0808 2000 247.
Claim Dual Housing Benefit for victims of Domestic Violence
If you claim housing benefit and need to leave your home because of domestic violence, you may be able to get housing benefit on two properties for a short period if you intend to return to your main home. To find out more, visit the Barnet Housing Benefit website by clicking here.
Help you to rent a private sector property anywhere in the UK – if you are eligible for support from Opendoor Homes
If you qualify for help from us and want to move out to a private rental property due to domestic violence, we may be able to help you. Please click here for more information, or call us on 0208 359 4797.
Male victims of domestic abuse should also seek advice about their options
Male victims of domestic violence can contact the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday). This service offers practical advice, information and emotional support to male victims – as well as to concerned friends, family and frontline workers.
Male victims living in Barnet can receive support from male Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVA). Barnet Solace Advocacy and Support Service provides this service. They can be contacted on 0208 733 4113, or you can visit their website by clicking here.
Opendoor Homes recognises that men and boys also experience domestic abuse. Any victim of domestic abuse that contacts Opendoor Homes will receive a sensitive and appropriate response, so that they get the help and support they need. We do not discriminate against sexuality, gender or religion. You can find out more by contacting us on 0208 359 4797.
Admitting to yourself and others that you are experiencing domestic violence or any other form of abuse can be very difficult, but it is an important step towards getting protection for yourself and any children.
For advice and support about domestic violence
– Visit the One Stop Shop, a free drop-in advice service for male and female victims of domestic violence. Click here for full details, or call 0208 359 4797.
– Contact Barnet Solace Advocacy and Support Service on 0208 733 4113, or visit their website by clicking here.
– Call the 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. It’s open 24/7 and is free you call from a landline or public phone.
– Male victims of domestic violence can contact the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday).
– More information about support available in Barnet can be found on Barnet Council’s website.