Domestic Abuse

mhs homes is committed to tackling Domestic abuse by providing support, assistance and advise.

Domestic abuse can affect people from all backgrounds regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation

We will work with other specialist agencies to ensure you get the best support and advise available.

Domestic abuse is any action involving abuse between adult family members including both current and former partners. Abuse occurs when a person causes or attempts to cause or threatens to cause emotional, sexual, or physical harm to an intimate partner or other family member.

Forms of domestic abuse can include

  • Physical assault – hitting, punching, kicking slapping
  • Sexual violence – including rape
  • Bullying
  • Humiliation or constant ridiculing
  • Depriving you of food, money, sleep
  • Confinement in the home
  • Control over what you do, when you do it and who with
  • Damage to property or pets
  • Using children as an emotional tool

 

Remember if you are in an abusive relationship

  • You are not the only one
  • You are not to blame
  • You cannot change your abusers behaviour
  • Break the silence – tell someone

 

mhs homes can help you

(Anything you tell us will be kept confidential)
We take reports of domestic violence or abuse very seriously. When you report an incident your Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinator will contact you within 24 hours. We will work with you to make sure that your home is secure and any repairs to keep you safe are carried out within 24 hours. We’ll help you get legal advice so that you can make decisions about your future. We’ll make sure that you get support so that you can stay in your home. We will consider a move to another property if that is believed to be the only option available to you.

If you have children and fleeing domestic violence and would like some guidence for the future, Casa Support www.casasupport.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=6 will offer advice for resettlement. Casa support will be able offer temporary accomodation and network support to any women fleeing domestic violence even if you don't have any children. Womens refuge and other temporary accomodation is located across Kent. There are strict guidelines operated for the safety of residents which offer anonymity and protection to all. When you are ready to move on to independent living you can move to the self contained flats with some support in place.

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Womens refuge in Medway is avialable on finding a refuge

Who else can help you

mhs homes on 01634 354723

Medway Police Domestic Abuse team 01634 792308 or e-mail

Domestic.violence.dz@kent.pnn.police.uk

Women’s support service 01622 761146

Help and support for women affected by partners and ex-partners who use frightening and abusive behaviour.

Medway One stop shop drop in centre for advice from the relevant agencies Tues 9.30 – 12 at The Sunlight Centre, Richmond Road, Gillingham

The Dove Project (24hr helpline) 01702 300006 information regarding refuges in Kent, Essex and Sussex

Citizens Advice Medway 01634 380035 or drop in Mon – Fri 9.30 – 3.00pm at 5A New Road Avenue, Chatham

Medway Council Sanctuary Scheme – staying put, staying safe 01634 333600

The council will consider installing a number of measures to secure your home and improve your personal security,

Kent Domestic Abuse Information Line - 0845 603 6813

Victim Support Kent 0845 3030 900

Kent Lesbian Line (Thursdays only) 01622 763573

Support and awareness around issues of lesbian domestic abuse

National Helplines

National Domestic Violence Helpline 080 82000 247

Mens advice Line 080 8801 0327

Man 2 Man 020 869 89649

Broken Rainbow 0208 5399507 service for Lesbian, gay, Bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic abuse.

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