Essex Domestic Abuse Strategy Group

Domestic Abuse:

A directory of services for staff in Essex

September 2014

Contents

This directory gives professionals information and contact details of organisations offering support to victims of domestic abuse and services available to perpetrators.

Introduction

  • What is the aim of this directory?3
  • How does this directory work?3
  • Language3
  • What is domestic abuse?4
  • What causes domestic abuse?5
  • Why don’t victims leave?5
  • Who is responsible for the abuse?5
  • The impact of domestic abuse5
  • Safety plans6

Information

  • Female victims7
  • Male victims8
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims8
  • Black and minority ethnic groups9
  • Sexual abuse survivors11
  • Counselling, support and advice11
  • Social Care11
  • Essex Safeguarding Boards12
  • Children and young people12
  • Pets13
  • Male perpetrators13
  • Essex Police14
  • Essex Probation15
  • Health Services16
  • Drug and alcohol services18
  • Money and Benefits18
  • Housing19
  • Local district and borough councils20
  • Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences20
  • Independent Domestic Violence Advisor service21

What is the aim of the directory?

The aim of the directory is to:

  • Develop awareness of the nature, extent and impact of domestic abuse.
  • Develop awareness of the principles of responding to domestic abuse.
  • Improve local communication and multi agency working.
  • Share information on services that will help practitioners assist those who are experiencing domestic abuse.
  • Share information on services available to perpetrators of domestic abuse.

How does this directory work?

There are a large number of agencies/ organisations, which can help victims of domestic abuse. This directory contains details of organisations that can offer help with particular problems. Details include phone numbers and websites and a brief description of how that organisation could help. Your local council may have also produced a directory which gives more details on local agencies/ organisations which may be able to help.

If you would like any more information about the domestic abuse services delivered in Essex, please contact Essex Safeguarding Adults Board- 01245 430085.

Language

The term “domestic violence” is still used widely by agencies but this document uses the term “domestic abuse” where possible, to accurately reflect the fact that it encompasses many forms of abuse, violence and threats.

There is a choice of term for those adversely affected by domestic abuse namely “victim” or “survivor”. Some agencies find the term victim demeaning and prefer to use the term “survivor” as they feel it better reflects the experiences of these individuals. The terms may be used intermittently.

The document adopts where possible gender neutral language concerning victims/survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse.

However, when gendered language is used it is to reflect local and national prevalence data which shows the majority of domestic abuse incidents involve male perpetrators and female victims.

What is ‘Domestic abuse’?

The Government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:

'Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members1 regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

• Psychological

• Physical

• Sexual

• Financial

• Emotional

'Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.'

What causes domestic abuse?

Abusers choose to behave violently to get what they want and gain control. Their behaviour often originates from a sense of entitlement which is often supported by sexist, racist, homophobic and other discriminatory attitudes.

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol, drugs or stress does not cause violence. Alcohol and drugs may make violent behaviour worse, but the responsibility for the abuse always lies with the perpetrator. Victims/Survivors themselves may blame the abuse on alcohol, drugs or stress because it may be easier to do this than to accept that someone they love could be choosing to hurt them.

Why don’t victims leave?

Staying in a relationship may seem like a high risk strategy, however leaving the relationship will not guarantee that the abuse will stop. Leaving a relationship is often the most dangerous time for a victim and the children, with many perpetrators threatening to kill their partners, children or pets if they leave. Other reasons why victims do not leave the relationship are detailed below:

  • Fear of retaliation
  • Financial dependency
  • Isolation, lack of social or family support network
  • Low self esteem,
  • Love and emotional dependency
  • Social stigma
  • Beliefs about marriage
  • Children
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Personal belongings

Who is responsible for the abuse?

The abuser is responsible.They do not have to use abuse. They can choose, instead, to behave non-violently and foster a relationship built on trust, honesty, and respect.

The impact of domestic abuse

Victims may be affected by domestic abusein a number of ways:

  • Loss of opportunity
  • Isolation from family/friends
  • Loss of income or work
  • Homelessness
  • Emotional/psychological effects such as experiences of anxiety, depression or lowered sense of self-worth
  • Poor health
  • Physical injury or ongoing impairment
  • Death

The effects of domestic abuse on victims include the direct effects on them and their relationships with other people, particularly their children.

Victims need to have accessible options and be supported to make safe changes for themselves and their children. Resources and support they will need to leave safely include: money, housing, help with moving, transport, ongoing protection from the Police, legal support to protect themselves and the children, a guaranteed income and emotional support. If a victim is not sure if these are available to them, this may also prevent them from leaving.

Access to culturally specific or specialised support is also an important consideration for victims from ethnic minorities, LGBT, disabled, asylum seekers and those with an insecure immigration status. These victims often face additional barriers to seeking help in the first place such as physical barriers, language, poverty and discrimination.

Safety Plans

Safety planning can take place whether or not the survivor is still living with or in a relationship with the perpetrator. Because of the risks involved in separation safety planning will usually need to increase in strength and intensity around and after separation. It is crucial that separation is notseen as the only or essential element in safety planning.

Survivors of domestic abuse andchildren will almost always have developed their own safety strategies, and all immediate and subsequent assessments of the risk to these individuals should include assessing the strategies they currently use or have thought of.

Practitioners should always consult with specialist agencies, when developing safety plans with victims.

Plans could include:

  • A safe place where you can make a phone call, or stay away from the abuser.
  • Having a mobile phone that you can always have with you, with credit on it.
  • If it is safe for you to do so, carry a list of emergency numbers with you, or have themsaved on your phone.

If you leave, and you have time and it is safe to do so, try to take the following with you:

  • Passport for you (and your children), birth certificates, immigration papers, driving licence, welfare benefits information, marriage certificate.
  • Keys: home, care and work.
  • Money.
  • Prescribed medication.
  • Clothes for you and the children.
  • Any items of sentimental value.

If you/they do not feel safe leaving, or planning to leave, this does not mean that you/they are choosing to be abused. Often, staying can feel the safest, or only, option.

Female Victims

Women’s Aidprovides emergency accommodation, advice and help for women suffering domestic abuse, and their children. Refuges offer emergency and temporary accommodation, advocacy and support to women escaping abuse. Refuges are fully furnished and equipped and all a victim would need to bring is personal belongings.

Many Women’s Aid also offer drop in centres for counselling and emotional support, legal, housing and benefits advice.

The National Women’s Aid 24hr free helplinekeeps an up to date list of all refuge accommodation across the county, and can be contacted 24 hours a day. If they have space any refuge across the UK may accept a woman fleeing domestic abuse.

For more information about refuges please see:

National Women’s Aid 24hr free helpline / 0808 2000 247 /
Basildon Women’s Aid / 01268 581591 /
Chelmsford Women’s Aid / 01245 493114 /
Colchester & Tendring Women’s Aid / 01206 500585 /
Safer Places- Domestic abuse victim support (Formerly Harlow Womens Aid and covering Braintree and Southend) / 08450177668 /
Thurrock Women’s Aid / 01375 845899 /
SOS Domestic Abuse Project
(Formerly Southend Women’s Aid) / 01702 302333 /
The Parklands Outreach Centre / 01268 729707 /
This centre in Felmores End, Felmores, Basildon, is run by staff from Basildon Women’s Aid. They offer a helpline, support groups, advice and information surgeries as well as one to one counselling.
All of the services are free and the centre is open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and5pm.

Male Victims

Safer Places- Domestic abuse victim support / 08450177668 /
Offering outreach support services to male victims.
MALE (Men’s Advice Line and Enquiries) / 0808 801 0327 /
The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same sex relationships. The Men's Advice Line offers emotional support, practical advice and information on a wide range of services for further help and support.
New Paths / 07938 611046 /
New Paths is focused on male victims of domestic abuse. The organisation has a drop in centre and a team of life coaches, therapists and advisors.
Survivors UK / 0845 122 1201 /
Help for men who have been sexually abused or raped.
SOS Domestic Abuse Project: Male drop in service / 01702 343868 /
This service provides a free, professional and confidential drop-in servicefor adult males (18 years and over) who have been or are suffering domestic abuse or violence.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Victims

Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic abuse.

Broken Rainbow / 0300 999 5428 /
Colchester Gay Switchboard / 0845 123 23 88 /
Essex Gay Men / 01245 250256 /

Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) groups

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse regardless of race or religion. As a BME individual the other services listed in this directory are available, however there are sometimes specific cultural issues where particular agencies may have a better understanding of individual needs.

Asylum Aid / 0207 354 9264 /
Provides free legal representation and advice to asylum seekers and refugees.It aims to enable women fleeing serious human rights violations gain protection in the UK.
Chinese Information and Advice Centre / 08453 131 868 /
Confidential support for Chinese women who are victims of domestic abuse on a range of issues. The specially trained bilingual female volunteers speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Forced Marriage Unit / 0207 008 1501 /
The Forced marriage unit gives advice and assistance to people who fear they are going to be forced into a marriage abroad, fear for a friend /relative who has been taken abroad and may be forced into a marriage or have been forced into a marriage and do not want to support their spouse’s visa application.
All practitioners should always refer to Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines: Handling Cases of Forced marriage (HM Government 2009) for guidance on their response, which is available free to download or order from:

Jewish Women’s Aid

/ 0808 801 0500 /
Jewish Women’s Aid is an organisation run by Jewish women for Jewish women and children who have been subjected to domestic abuse. They offer a range of support and information for victims.
Karma Nivarna / 0800 5999 247 /
The honour network helpline is a confidential helpline providing emotional and practical support and advice for victims and survivors (male & female) or forced marriage and/or honour based abuse.
Newham Asian Women’s Project / 020 8472 0528 /
The group offers support and advice for Asian women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Although they are based in London they can offer help over the phone.
Southall Black Sisters / 0208571 0800 /
Southall Black Sisters provide information, advice, advocacy, practical help, counselling and support to Asian and African-Caribbean women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual abuse (including marriage and honour crimes).

Survivors of sexual violence and abuse

Sexual violence includes a range of different behaviours, many of which- such as sexual assault or rape, regardless of the relationship they take place in - are crimes. Sexual abuse and violence can happen to anyone, and in most cases the victim knows the person who has assaulted them. This can be a partner or ex-partner, friend or family member.

Sexual abuse is often a component of domestic abuse- for example, partners and former partners may use force, threats of intimidation to engage in sexual activity: they may taunt or use degrading treatment related to sexuality, force the use of pornography, or force their partners to have sex with other people.

Whether someone has recently been assaulted, or the abuse happened a long time ago, the following agencies can help. You can also speak to the domestic abuse agencies listed elsewhere in this booklet.

Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA) / 01206 769795
North and Mid Essex /
South East Essex Rape and Incest Crisis line
(SERICC) / 01375 380609
South Essex /
National Association for people abused in Childhood / 0800 085 3330 /
Rape Crisis / 0808 802 9999 /
Oakwood Place / 0800 587 9159
NHS South West Essex Patients Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) /
Oakwood Place is adedicated centre providing medical services and support specifically for victims of sexual violence and assault in Essex
SupportLine (Romford) / 01708 765200 /
Providing emotional support and information to children young people and adults throughout the UK. The service is primarily aimed at those who are vulnerable, at risk, isolated and victims of any form of abuse.
Services provided include emotional support and information on a wide range of issues including child abuse, adult survivors of child abuse, rape and sexual assault.
STEP UP (Dagenham) / 020 8517 5888 /
Supports children, young people and the families who have experienced sexual abuse or rape.

Counselling, support and advice

Many abusers use money to gain control. This may mean that they take control of money and benefits and do not allow their partner or family to have any money. They may create debts in the victim’s name or force them to take out loans or credit cards.

Whether or not someone has experienced economic abuse they may have money worries if they are considering leaving. The national charity Refuge has developed aleaflet called: You can afford to leave

Citizens Advice Bureau /
Citizens Advice Bureau offer advice and information about all subjects including issues such as housing, family law, child support agency and benefits. All the services are free, confidential and independent.

Essex Benefits Helpline

/ 01245 434205 /
This is a helpline for Essex County Council staff and members and advisers in voluntary sector and external agencies.
National Centre for Domestic Violence / 0844 8044 999 /
Can help with getting an injunction
Rights of Women / 0207 251 6577 /
Rights of Women is a women’s voluntary organisation committed to informing, educating and empowering women concerning their legal rights.
Samaritans / 08457 90 90 90 /
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that may lead to suicide.
Victim Support / 0845 3030 900 /
Offers free confidential support to anyone, whether or not the crime has been reported to the police.
SOS Domestic Abuse Project: Children and Families contact centre / 01702 343868 /
Fledgelings Child and Family Contact Centre supports mum, dads, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse and family breakdown.

Social care

Social Care provides help and advice on adopting and fostering, safeguarding vulnerable children, and the youth offending service.Also help and advicefor people over the age of 18 who may need support as a result of age, disability or learning difficulties. If you believe you or someone else is in danger or that a crime has been committed, your first step should be to alert the emergency services by dialling 999.

EssexSocial Care /
Children and Adults / 0845 603 7634 & 0845 606 1212 (out of hours)
Social Care (Thurrock) /
Children / 01375 65280201375 372468 (out of hours)
Adults / 01375 65286801375 372468 (out of hours)
Social Care (Southend) /
Children / 01702 2150070845 606 1212 (out of hours)
Adults / 01702 2150080845 606 1212 (out of hours)
ASKSAL / 08452 666663 /
SAL stands for Safeguarding Adults Line.

Essex Safeguarding Childrens Board & Essex Safeguarding Adults Board

The term ‘safeguarding’ can apply to both adults and children and is about protecting them, preventing their abuse or neglect and educating those around them to recognise the signs and dangers. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial, discriminatory or institutional.

The Essex Safeguarding Childrens Board (ESCB) is a statutory multi agency organisation which brings together agencies who work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in Essex.

The Essex Safeguarding Adults Board (ESAB) raises awareness and promotes the welfare of vulnerable adults by the development of an effective co-operative.

ESCBin conjunction with Southend & Thurrock Safeguarding Childrens Boards have produced the multi-agency child protection procedures /
ESAB in conjunction with Southend & Thurrock Safeguarding Adult Boards have produced the full SET safeguarding adult guidelines - December 2010 /

Children and Young People