The majority of cases of domestic abuse are against women, carried out by men. However, it is recognised that men do occasionally experience abuse from their partner. The issue can occur within both heterosexual and gay relationships.
Domestic abuse happens to 1 in 4 women at some point in their lives regardless of age, sexuality, background or race. You may feel humiliated, frightened, ashamed, alone and confused – but you are not to blame.
Support and Advice
There is support and advice available to you and your children if you are experiencing any of the following from a partner, ex-partner or family member:
- Hitting, punching, kicking, slapping.
- Rape, sexual abuse.
- Preventing you from having contact with family and friends.
- Ridiculing, criticising.
- Withholding money, gambling.
Hexagon can Help You
(Anything you tell us will be kept confidential)
We take reports of domestic abuse very seriously. We will contact you within 24 hours of a reported incident. Thereafter, we will work with you to ensure:
- Your home is secure.
- Repairs following any incident are carried out within 24 hours.
- You get legal advice and information to allow you to make decisions about your future.
- Support is provided to enable you to remain in your home.
- You are considered for a move if that is believed to be the only option.
You can contact us by telephone on 020 8778 6699, or by email to customer_desk@hexagon.org.uk.
Other Agencies
There are other agencies who can help you with legal and housing advice and support.
Police: If you need urgent assistance, ring 999 for police help. The police can not only come to your home if you need urgent help, but also have trained staff who can help you with the after-effects. Victim Support offer practical advice and support, and can also provide a list of local solicitors who specialise in family matters. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk
Refuge work in partnership with Women’s Aid to provide places of safety for women and their children who need to flee their homes because of Domestic Violence.
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
Women’s Aid is a national service for women who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse. There is lots of useful information on their website, and they can offer advice and support or access to a place of safety if needed.
Telephone: Freephone 24hr national Domestic Violence helpline 0808 2000 247.
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
Bede House provides a support service in the borough of Southwark to women who are experiencing domestic violence or relationship problems. They also provide the same service for victims of same-sex domestic violence.
Telephone: 020 7237 9162
Drop-in surgeries: Safeshop, 92 Peckham Road SE16. Mondays 12.30–5.00 pm
Bede House, 351 Southwark Park Road. Wednesdays 9.30–5.00pm.
Acorn Surgery, 136 Meeting House Lane SE15. Fridays 9.30–5.00pm.
Broken Rainbow offer advice and support to people who are experiencing domestic violence in a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender relationship.
Telephone: 08452 604 460
Website: www.brokenrainbow.org.uk
Counselling Directory is a confidential service that encourages those in distress to seek help. The directory contains information on many different types of distress, as well as articles, news and events.
Telephone: 0844 803 0252
Website: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/domestic-violence.html
Domestic Violence Prevention Programme
This is a service for men who want to end their violent and abusive behaviour towards a partner.
Telephone: 020 7633 9181
Website: www.dvip.org
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men – whether in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
Telephone: 0808 801 0327
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
