Options for victims of domestic violence
Domestic violence can happen against anyone. If you are facing domestic violence, you could consider some of the options below.
Going to a women's refuge
A refuge is a safe house. It is for women and children escaping domestic violence. Help will be available on welfare rights. It will cover legal issues, housing options, and more.
Some Women's Aid groups also have their own temporary housing. This offers more independent living. You may move on to this from a refuge whilst you are waiting for permanent housing.
You can refer yourself to a refuge. Call the Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 200 0247. You can also ask your housing officer or other agencies to refer you.
The Sanctuary Project
The Sanctuary Project helps victims of domestic violence and hate crime. They focus on those who are targeted repeatedly. They help victims feel safe and remain in their homes.
They create a 'sanctuary room' by modifying a door in your house which acts as an extra barrier. This provides a safe room for victims to call from and await the arrival of the police.
For more details, see the Sanctuary Project leaflet. To be assessed, contact our Housing assessment Team.
Staying with family or friends
This may be a safe option for you and give you some support. For many people this is only a short-term solution. If you live in social housing and stay with family or friends, you need to tell your housing officer. For more details see our domestic violence advice leaflet.
Domestic abuse policy
The policy outlines our service to abuse survivors. Our Violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy group manages our strategy. The policy is currently being updated and will be available soon.
Domestic violence support agencies
We can help you contact support agencies. They will listen and understand your needs. Below you’ll find a list of agencies who can help you and provide support.
Emergencies
In cases of emergency call 999 or 101 for non-emergencies.
If you do not want any of the support agencies to know your phone number you can dial 141 first. This will not prevent the number you have called from showing up on your phone bill.
You may prefer to phone from a friends house or a phone box.
National domestic violence support agencies
- National Domestic Violence helpline: 0808 2000 247
- Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Helpline: 0808 802 9999
- Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
- National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428. Or 020 7704 2040 (London). Webchat and call back options are available.
- National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070 (Option 1) or 0207 186 8270
- Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327, email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
- ManKind Initiative: 01823 334244
- FLOWS - Finding Legal options for Women Survivors: 0203 745 7707
London domestic violence support agencies
- Rape Crisis Centre - West London: 020 8567 7347
- Women and Girls Network Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 801 0770
- Ascent confidential legal advice: 020 7608 1137
Harrow domestic violence support agencies
- Hestia Harrow Domestic Abuse Support Service: 020 8907 8148. For IDVA and Floating Support, email: idva.harrow@hestia.org
- Victim Support Harrow: 080 8168 9111
- Harrow Safeguarding Adults Service: 020 8420 9453
- Out of Hours for Safeguarding Children or Adults: 020 8424 0999
- Harrow Citizens Advice Bureau: 020 8427 9477
- EACH: Domestic Abuse Counselling: 0208 427 5188
- WISH: Counselling and support for Young People: 020 8416 7277
- Jewish Women's Aid: 0808 801 0500
Other specialist support services
- Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151
- RESPECT - support for Male Survivors: 0845 802 4040
- The Female Genital Mutilation Helpline (NSPCC): 0800 028 3550
- Asian Women's Resource Centre: 0208 961 6549/5701. Or email: info@asianwomencentre.org.uk
- DAWN - an organisation that supports communities around Harrow.