Getting Help
 Nobody
has to put up with any kind of abuse or control by another person,
whether it’s physical or emotional, whether you’re
with a current partner, or being pestered by an ex-partner. Talking
to someone about what is happening can help you make sense of
what’s happening, help you make choices and mean you’re
not alone with it.
Sources of local help
In an Emergency call the Police - 999
Rising Sun Domestic Violence Project 01227 452852
- Talk over your situation with someone in confidence
- Advice on practical issues, legal matters and housing
- A worker can help you to explore and understand your situation
and consider the choices that YOU want
- There’s an opportunity for ongoing support or counselling
for you and your children
- You can be seen at your home, in a community venue or at
the refuge
For more information about the services RSDVP has to offer please
go to the Services
page.
Domestic Violence Officers (DVO) - The Police
also have Specialist officers who you can talk over your situation
with, without needing to report an incident. They can support
you if you have reported an incident. Ask for Jenny Robbins or
Feebs Sparks 01227 868112
 National
Domestic Violence Helpline
Advice & Accommodation - 24 hr 0808 200 0247
The Survivor’s Handbook
Online resource: -
www.womensaid.org.uk
 The
Freedom Programme – 01227 452852
A free twelve-week programme providing information about domestic
violence to women. Runs term time. Start any time.
www.freedomprogramme.co.uk
Housing and Crisis Accommodation
Getting away from your abuser is often the only way to stop the
abuse. Some people try to get the abuser out of the house, and
it may be possible to change the locks and get an injunction to
stop him coming back. You have the right to call the police if
your abuser keeps harassing you or breaking an injunction. Some
people leave and stay with friends or family. If your abuser knows
where you are, it may not be safe or he may be persistent at contacting
you, which could wear you down.
If you are not safe or you want to leave, going to a refuge is
an option where you can find safety and support for you and your
children until you can be rehoused.
RSDVP works in partnership with Canterbury Women’s
Refuge and can accommodate 12 families. Telephone 01227
452852 9.30-5.00pm
Dove project
(Refuge Space in South-east) 24 hr. 01702 300006
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Advice & Accommodation - 24 hr 0808 200 0247
Your Legal rights
Local Legal Advice Surgery for Victims and Survivors
of Domestic Violence who are eligible for legal aid.
(Legal Aid is income related. Working people my be eligible, as
well as people receiving benefits)
- Injunctions
- Child contact
- Divorce proceedings
- Financial settlements
Surgeries are held every Thursday morning from
10am – 1pm at local Solicitors’ offices.
Bookings can be made through the Rising Sun Domestic Violence
Project. Please telephone 01227 452852 or 452849 for an appointment
with a solicitor. (Supported by Legal Services Commission)
 Supported
by
www.legalservices.gov.uk
Community Legal Services – Information
about all legal matters and Legal Aid www.clsdirect.org.uk
or call the national helpline 0845 345 4 345 for free advice
Citizen’s Advice Bureaux – 0870
126 4062
See Women’s Aid link for full information about legal options
www.womensaid.org.uk/
survivorshandbook/yourlegalrights.htm
Children
Children can be affected by domestic violence too. More…
The following link gives more information on how children may
be affected by domestic abuse and what you can do to help them:
-
www.womensaid.org.uk/
survivorshandbook/childrenanddv.htm
 Children
can use The Hideout website themselves to help them understand
their situation and keep safe.
Safety Plan
Think about a Safety Plan, whether you want to stay with your
partner or leave. What can you do to keep yourself and your children
safe? Are there places you can go in case of an incident? Perhaps
have a bag ready in case you need to leave in an emergency, with
important paperwork, keys, medication, etc.
For a detailed Safety Plan see: -
www.womensaid.org.uk/
survivorshandbook/safetyplan.htm
|
