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Domestic Violence - support for victims

24 hour crisis support for victims of domestic violence:

• Ring 01452 500 115

for a free, confidential service 24 hours a day.

Gloucestershire Domestic Violence Support and Advocacy Project (GDVSAP) is the central referral point for domestic violence incidents in Gloucestershire, and provides a free and confidential crisis advocacy and advice service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cotswold District Council SANCTUARY Scheme

MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME AND FEEL SAFE

What is SANCTUARY?

The scheme has been developed for people who find themselves affected by domestic abuse in Cotswold district.  The scheme is aimed at people who feel vulnerable or threatened by a partner an ex-partner or a family member but wish to remain in their own homes (this can include home owners, private tenants and tenants of a Registered Social Landlord).

Many people, although they are under threat of abuse do not wish to move from home as they may live near to their children's schools, doctors, family and other support networks in the area.

SANCTUARY aims to make the home more secure by undertaking building works that make it difficult for unwanted visitors to gain access to the property.  This may include new locks, stronger doors, security lighting etc.

How does SANCTUARY work?

SANCTUARY is a multi agency scheme involving the Police, Safer Cotswolds, Cotswold District Council, Anchor Staying Put and Cotswold Women's Service.  It is a project jointly funded by the Police, Cotswolds Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Cotswold District Council.

Stage One:  After receiving a referral, directly from you or from a referral agency the Cotswold Housing Advice Team will decide whether the case meets the SANCTUARY criteria i.e. if a sanctuary wasn't provided you would be likely to become homeless.

Stage Two:  Once it has been established that you wish to remain in the property if it can be made safer, the Cotswold Housing Advice Team will refer the case to the Crime reduction Officer and if you choose, to Cotswold Women's Service.  An inspection of your property will be made and the work needed to make the property as secure as possible is identified.

Stage Three:  Once this work has been agreed with you and / or your landlord, the Council will arrange to pay for the work to be carried out.

Stage Four:  Cotswold Women's Service will discuss your on-going support needs with you so that you can remain in your home and feel safe.

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS

• GDVSAP (Gloucestershire Domestic Violence Support and Advocacy Project)
  • Free confidential advice, support and information on domestic violence.
  • Telephone:  01452 500 115
    
    
• Victim Support
  • The National Charity supporting people affected by crime. 
  • Telephone:  01285 658 350
    
    
• Police Domestic Violence Unit
  • Telephone:  01452 335 639
    
    
• Gay and Lesbian 'Friend' Helpline
  • Helpline providing information, support and befriending to lesbian, gay and bisexual people
  • Telephone:  01452 306 800
    
    
• CAB
  • Free independent advice on a number of legal issues including housing, debt and welfare benefits. 
  • Telephone:  01285 652 908 or 01242 522 491
    
    
• Children & Young People Directorate (Social Services)
  • Information and enquiries about services relating to Children and Young People in need. 
  • Telephone:  01452 426 525
    
    
• National Domestic Violence Helpline
  • Telephone:  0808 2000 247.

REMEMBER IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 999 - THE POLICE WILL HELP YOU

If you have an incident number relating to the issue you are calling about, please have it ready and let the Police know, it will save time.

Cotswold Women's Service

01285 652 871 (Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.)

We offer confidential support and information if you have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.  You can phone us to talk things over and if you wish we can arrange to meet to discuss your options.  We can support you and your children with a variety of issues including legal, housing and welfare benefits.  Contact us if you have to leave your home, we can help you find alternative accommodation.

Work out a Safety Plan

• Know how to get out safely through doors or windows
• Pack a bag with essential items like keys, cash and documents and leave it with a trusted friend
• Memorise phone numbers of friends who can help
• Devise a code word to use with your children, friends or neighbours for when you need the Police
• Use your instincts and judgement to calm down the situation and protect yourself

Power and Control

Abuse can take many forms - here are some:

• Coercion and threats
• Intimidation, making you afraid, and smashing things
• Emotional abuse, such as putting you down and calling you names
• Isolation, controlling who you see and what you do
• Denying anything has happened and blaming you
• Using children to make you feel guilty and threatening to take them away
• Dominance, such as treating you like a servant, making all the big decisions
• Preventing you from getting a job and making you ask for money

24 hours - emergency GDVSAP (Gloucestershire Domestic Violence Support and Advocacy Project)

• 01452 500 115

If you require urgent advice or refuge accommodation call Women's Aid 0808 2000 247