Accommodation services for victims of domestic violence
ALWAYS DIAL 999 IN AN EMERGENCY
Domestic violence is a form of abuse and involves physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse.
It can occur in all walks of life regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, culture wealth and lifestyle.
If you think you may be a victim of domestic violence, there are a number of agencies that can assist you and provide support and advice. If you need to move from your home, we can give you advice and explore options to help you do this. If you wish to stay in your home, we can look at options to install extra security measures at your property.
Useful support agencies and contact telephone numbers:
National helplines:
National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0844 8044 999
This organisation specialises in helping victims of domestic violence obtain non-molestation and other orders (injunctions) from court to protect them from further abuse. It is a free service available to everybody regardless of age, race, gender, religion, culture or sexual orientation.
24 Hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline: 0808 2000 247
www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
This is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence. Friends, family, colleagues and others may call on someone's behalf. All calls are completely confidential. Translation facilities and services for callers who are deaf or hard of hearing are available.
Mankind: 01823 334244
Mankind provides confidential advice to male victims of domestic violence. Violence may be perpetrated by a female or male partner. This service is available Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and 7pm-9pm.
Broken Rainbow: 08452 60 44 60
This organisation provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence.
Local Helplines:
Christchurch Borough Council: 01202 495000
East Dorset District Council: 01202 886201
West Dorset District Council: 01305 251010
Dorset Police domestic violence officers:
These are designated officers providing advice to victims of domestic violence.
East : 01202 226253
West: 01305 226547
Dorset Women's Outreach Project: 0800 58 77 480
The above Dorset based outreach service offers a confidential support service to women and children affected by domestic violence.
Refuges:
Refuges can offer you a safe place to stay while you decide what you want to do next. In a refuge you will be safe and supported to do what is best for you and your children. In Dorset there are four women's refuges but you can also go to refuges in other parts of the country. You can always ring a refuge for advice even if you don't need a place to stay. The contact details for Dorset refuges are:
North Dorset: 01747 858555
West Dorset: 01305 262444
Bournemouth: 01202 547755
Poole: 01202 748488
