Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

This information is taken from the Women’s Aid website at www.womensaid.org.uk and the content is protected by copyright to Women's Aid (copyright 2001 Women's Aid Federation of England), Women's Aid has granted permission for this to be reproduced on this website.

What is a Violent Relationship?

Domestic violence is repeated physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. Crime statistics and research both show that domestic violence is gender specific - usually the perpetrator of a pattern of repeated assaults is a man.

Domestic violence can take many forms and can happen once every so often or on a regular basis. Although every situation is unique, there are common factors that link the experience of an abusive relationship. Acknowledging these factors is an important step in preventing and stopping the violence.

Women’s Aid

Women's Aid Federation of England (Women's Aid) is the national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children. They provide information and advice to victims of domestic violence:

• Women's Aid
• Women's Aid National Helpline
• Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Women’s Aid also provide refuge accommodation.

What is a refuge and how can I stay in one?

A refuge is a safe house where women who are experiencing domestic abuse can live free from violence. If you have children, you can take them with you. Refuge addresses are confidential. There are over 250 refuges in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - you can choose to travel as far away from, or stay as near to your home town as you wish. Some refuges have space for many women and children, and some refuges are small houses.

How do I arrange refuge accommodation?

You can contact your local Women’s Aid refuge by calling the Women's Aid National 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline. You can also contact refuges through the Samaritans, the police, social services or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Contact Details for two local refuges can be found below:

Loughborough Women's Aid
PO Box 16
Loughborough
Leicestershire

Telephone:
07976 383 041 (Emergency: Sat-Sun)
07976 392 109 (Emergency, advice line & out of hours: Mon-Fri)
01509 237 206 (Office and advice line: 24hrs)

Roshni (Nottingham Asian Women's Aid) Ltd
Nottingham

Telephone:
0115 924 2864 (Office)
0115 948 3450 (Advice line, out of hours)

Fax:
0115 924 2872
0115 985 8766

Email: roshniwomensaid@btconnect.com

Housing Benefit

If you claim housing benefit and need to move out of your home for a short while because you are subjected to domestic violence you may be able to claim housing benefit on two addresses. For more information please click here.

Housing Services

There are a number of things that Housing Services can do to help you in your current situation. If you no longer feel that you are safe remaining in your property or want to know what can be done to help you stay where you are, you should contact the Housing Needs section. They can also help you access hostel accommodation.

Housing Services also fund a Domestic Violence outreach worker, through Loughborough Women’s Aid, who provides support to victims of domestic violence who do not wish to move into a refuge, are moving out of a refuge and back into the community or are suffering violence but aren’t sure what to do. The outreach worker can be contacted on 01509 552549, or e-mail: donna.lwa@ntlbusiness.co.uk

Office Opening Hours

Monday to Thursday: 8.30am - 5.00pm
Friday: 8.30am - 4.30pm

Charnwood Housing Services
Charnwood Borough Council
Southfields
Loughborough
Leics LE11 2TT

Telephone: Housing Needs Section (01509)263151

E-Mail: housing@charnwood.gov.uk