Sutton Domestic Violence Service
Tel: 020 8642 7782
Confidential support, advice and information.
In an emergency dial 999
Internet History …. Covering your tracks!
If you are worried that someone may find out about the pages you have viewed on the internet you can alter the history of your web browser. Click on this link for more advice (Women’s Aid link)
You may feel it is safer to use an internet connection at an internet café, at the library or at a friends house. If you use email make sure the password you use cannot be guessed.
Clicking the red hand will immediately take you back to the Sutton Council home page.
Definition of domestic violence
Domestic violence is defined by the Home Office and Association of Police Officers (ACPO) as:
“Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults, aged 18 and over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality.”
Examples of Domestic Violence
Physical
Hitting, biting, punching, breaking bones, chocking, attempted murder, murder
Psychological
Constant criticism, bullying, insults, being kept locked up, humiliation, threats to harm or kill, stalking
Sexual
Forcing sex in ways that hurt or abuse or in front of others, enforced prostitution
Financial
Keeping someone without money or threatening to withhold money
Advice on Leaving Safely
· Have some money saved in case you need to use a taxi or bus
· Find somewhere you can quickly and safely use the phone should you need to
· Take important documents such as your marriage and birth certificates, court orders, passport, benefit and bank books and health records
· Have a small bag packed with an extra set of keys for the house and car should you need to leave in an emergency
· If you choose to leave try to take your children with you
· Take essential medicines that you and your children may need
· Leave when it is safe to do so
Where to Get Help!
London Borough of Sutton contacts and services
Sutton Domestic Violence Service
Tel: 020 8642 7782
Confidential support, advice and information.
Housing Advice
Tel: 020 8770 5800
Rights, responsibilities and advice on housing options including the Sanctuary scheme.
Group Treatment Programme for Children Who Witness Women Abuse
Tel: 020 8404 7973
Therapy for children between 4 and 16 who have experienced any form of violence or abuse in their family
Caring Dads Programme
Tel: 020 8545 8500
A programme to help fathers improve their relationship with their children and end controlling, abusive and neglectful behaviours.
Other local contacts
Sutton Police – Community Safety Unit
Tel: 020 8649 0773
Specialist police unit supporting victims and investigating domestic violence incidents
Victim Support – Merton
Tel: 020 8770 4364
An independent charitable voluntary organisation offering support to victims of crime including victims of domestic violence
National helplines and useful contacts
24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline
Freephone: 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid
Tel: 0117 944 44 11
General Enquiries
http://www.womensaid.org.uk
Mankind National Helpline
Tel: 0870 794 4124
Assists male victims of domestic violence
Broken Rainbow Helpline
Tel: 0845 2604460
For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities
Dogs Trust Freedom Project
Tel: 0800 298 9199
Pets fostering project for women fleeing domestic violence in the Greater London area.
Respect Phoneline for perpetrators
Tel: 0845 122 8609
Phoneline for perpetrators of domestic violence who want to face up to their behaviour.
BT advice line for dealing with abusive calls
Freephone: 0800 661 441
The Havens
http://www.thehavens.co.uk
Support for women, men or children who have been victims of rape or sexual assault.
Sexual Violence Legal Helpline
Tel: 020 7251 8887
Free legal advice on legal issues in relation to sexual violence and criminal law
Breaking Free
Tel: 020 8648 3500
Helpline for childhood survivors of sexual abuse.
Information for disabled people
UK Disability Forum
Women’s Committee
Sutton Advocacy Partners
Tel: 020 8330 6644
Short term advocacy for anyone who has problems in communicating including people with learning difficulties, older people and people with physical and sensory impairments.
SCILL
Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning
Tel: 020 8770 4066
Voice UK
Tel: 0870 013 3965
Organisation providing advice on finding lawyers specialising in dealing with cases of abuse and crime against people with learning difficulties.
Translated information on domestic violence is available using this link.
What London Borough of Sutton is doing to help victims of domestic violence
The London Borough of Sutton’s Domestic Violence Strategic Group has been working on a brand new three year domestic violence strategy and action plan to be launched and published in Spring 2008.
The work of the Group, comprising key partners within the health sector, local authority and police, has consulted with the voluntary sector and service providers in developing the strategy.
The Strategy Document, together with other key documents such as the Information Sharing Protocol and Action Plan will be posted on these web pages in tandem with the launch in 2008.
