Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour,
violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or
emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or
family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Domestic violence occurs across all of society, regardless of
age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth or geography. Women are more
likely than men to be victims of domestic violence, and children
are also affected - they can be traumatised by what they've seen,
and there is a strong connection between domestic violence and
child abuse.
Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off
incident. Usually it's a pattern of abusive and controlling
behaviour through which an abuser seeks power over their family
member or partner.
Ascham Homes takes reported incidents of domestic violence very
seriously. It can manifest itself in different ways whether
physical, psychological, verbal or sexual abuse. Domestic violence
is serious crime and completely unacceptable.
Ascham Homes will
- provide a supportive and enabling environment which encourages
people to report domestic violence
- provide information and advice to increase the safety of those
experiencing domestic violence
- take action as a managing agent against perpetrators of
domestic violence where possible
- put the customers’ safety first and ensure confidentiality
- respect the choices of the customer
- explore possible options such as added security to homes or
re-housing
- signpost to relevant agencies and positively support action
against alleged perpetrators
- provide training for staff on domestic violence issues
- provide support to Housing staff who work with people
experiencing domestic violence
Emergency accommodation and sanctuary
The Council will provide emergency accommodation to victims of
domestic violence and other forms of harassment where a victim is
in danger of physical assault or injury. Where necessary the
Council will consider storing a tenant’s personal effects whilst
they are in emergency accommodation.
The Council and Ascham Homes in conjunction with its partners
provide a sanctuary scheme for tenants who have experienced
domestic violence. As part of the scheme, a Police Officer will
visit the property and make recommendations to improve security and
ensure that one room within the property is made totally secure. In
a domestic violence situation, this will provide the tenant with a
room where she/he can escape to whilst she/he contacts the police
and awaits assistance.
As an organisation we work closely with a wide range of agencies
to give support to victims of domestic abuse, we will and do take
action against perpetrators using the terms and conditions set out
in the Council’s tenancy agreement where possible.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and find it
unsafe to return or remain in your current home please
contact;
The London Borough of Waltham Forest; Homeless Persons Unit@
Cerdarwood House, Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow E17 or ring
020-8496-3000
Please call the police on 999 if you are in immediate danger or
contact your local police station to speak to a police officer.
Other agencies to call to access support;
National 24 hour Domestic violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Womens trust advocacy service: 0207 034 0304/ 07747080946
Victim Support: 0208 988 8690 (2a Ruckholt Road- E10 5NP)
Report It: 0208 558 6928 (702 High Road Leyton- E10 6JP)
Waltham Forest (out of hours service): 0208 496 3000
Citizens Advice Bureau: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Male advice and enquiry line: 0800 599 9247
Broken Rainbow: 0845 260 4460 (this service gives support to
gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people suffering from
domestic violence)
Download a
list of counselling services for domestic violence
Back to top