Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Although domestic violence is chronically under reported, research estimates that it:
• accounts for 16% of all violent crime (Crime in England and Wales 04/05 report)
• has more repeat victims than any other crime (on average there will have been 35 assaults before a victim calls the police)
• costs in excess of £23bn a year
• claims the lives of two women each week and 30 men per year
• is the largest cause of morbidity worldwide in women aged 19-44, greater than war, cancer or motor vehicle accidents
• will affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime
• 75 per cent of children on the child protection register are living with domestic violence
Wolverhampton Homes is committed to helping people who are experiencing domestic violence. If you need to speak to someone in private about domestic violence, especially in relation to your housing situation, please contact your local housing office on 01902 556789. However, we can also provide general guidance and useful contact numbers for a range of specialist organisations who can help you deal with the situation, too.
Some useful contacts:
Supporting People
Supporting People funds organisations which provide support to a range of people who require assistance to live independently.
For information about the assistance you may be able to receive, contact Supporting People.
Wolverhampton Homes
• Homes Direct 01902 556789
Wolverhampton City Council
Homeless Services Unit
The unit discharges the local authorities’ duty to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness via advice, information and accommodation
• 01902 554747
• visit: Wolverhampton City Council, Civic Centre, St Peters’ Square
• Homeless.services@wolverhampton.gov.uk
• Tenancy Support Officer 01902 550337
West Midlands Police
West Midlands Police have Domestic Violence Officers who can help you. They are trained and experienced officers who can offer practical advice and support in all aspects of domestic violence. They will see you at a time and place convenient to you and can refer you to other caring agencies who may be able to help. Their first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your children. You will be dealt with sympathetically and spoken to separately from the person responsible for the abuse.
• emergency 999
• 0845 1135000
• Domestic Abuse Unit 01902 649032
• http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/crime-reduction/crime-victim-domestic.asp
Haven, Wolverhampton
The Haven provides temporary emergency accommodation for women and children who are homeless or escaping domestic violence.
• Referral line 01902 713001
• Office 01902 572140
• Email info@havenrefuge.org.uk
Jericho House
Accommodation for homeless single women aged 16 and over with dependent children with issues including domestic violence.
• 01902 421732
• email JerichoWolv@aol.com
Women’s Aid Federation of England (Women’s Aid)
Advocating for abused women and children to ensure their safety by working locally and nationally
• freephone 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line
Provides a range of services aimed primarily at men experiencing domestic abuse from their partner.
• 0808 801 0327
Victim Support
Victim Support provides practical support, information and advice on matters arising for victims of crime.
• 01902 572500
• email vsswolverhampton@aol.com
Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum
The Domestic Violence Forum leads on Wolverhampton’s domestic violence strategy.
• 01902 572345/6 or 01902 572505
• email forum@wdvf.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations including in bureaux, GP surgeries, hospitals, colleges, prisons and courts. Advice is available face-to-face and by telephone. Most bureaux offer home visits and some also provide email advice.
• Pendeford CAB 01902 780719
• Wolverhampton (Bilston) CAB 01902 572000
• Wolverhampton (City Centre) CAB 01902 572200
• Wolverhampton (Low Hill) CAB 01902 572175
• www.adviceguide.org.uk