Domestic abuse support for Portsmouth Homes residents

Support and advice for Portsmouth Homes tenants experiencing domestic abuse.

This information is for Portsmouth Homes tenants and leaseholders in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Winchester.

Portsmouth Homes are here to listen and support you, whether you’re experiencing domestic abuse, worried about someone you know, or want to change your own behaviour - you are not alone and help is available.

You do not need to have reported abuse to the police to receive support.

If you are in danger, call 999. If you can't speak, press 55 when the operator answers.

Contents

What is domestic abuse and sexual violence?

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is any behaviour from a partner, ex-partner, or family member that is used to control, frighten, humiliate, or harm you. It can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual or psychological. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or background. This can be one incident or a pattern over time. Read the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 overarching factsheet on GOV.UK.

Sexual violence

Sexual violence is any sexual act or attempt to get a sexual act by force, pressure, or without consent. It can happen inside or outside a relationship. While it can be part of domestic abuse, it can also happen on its own, for example, in public places, at work, or between acquaintances or strangers. 

How Portsmouth Homes can help you

Confidential support

Our Housing Officers are trained to listen in a safe and friendly way. We will not judge you. Every report is treated with care, discretion and confidentiality. We will give you advice that fits your own needs and situation.

Safety planning

We can help you make a plan to keep yourself and others safe. This plan will be based on your own circumstances.

Staying in your home

We can make changes to your home to make it more secure. This can help reduce harm and keep you safe. Speak to your Housing Officer to find out what options are available.

Moving to a new home

If it is not safe for you to stay in your current home because of abuse, the Council must help under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. We can provide emergency housing if you are in priority need. If you leave your home for safety, you may still claim housing benefit for up to 52 weeks.

Specialist domestic abuse housing advisor

We have a dedicated advisor who supports residents and staff. They make sure our training and services follow the law and best practice in responding to domestic abuse. You can read the Portsmouth Homes domestic abuse policy (PDF). You are not alone. Whatever your situation, support is available, and there are people who will listen and help you stay safe.

Support with moving

If you’re seeking safe accommodation due to domestic abuse, you can contact your local housing officer to explore options available to you. Find your local housing office.

Legal protection

You can explore legal rights and resources available to you, including civil law orders from the courts:

Local support services

There is lots of help if you are affected by domestic abuse. All services will keep what you say private. They understand you may not be ready to take action yet. They can give you advice on your options and simple steps to help keep you safe for now, even if you do not want to make big changes. 

There is also support if you think you may be hurting someone you care about, either physically or emotionally. If English is not your first language, these services can provide translation to help you.

Stop Domestic Abuse

Offers advice, support, and refuge provision for people in Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, and Winchester

Support offered through Stop Domestic Abuse:

  • one-to-one help – practical support for domestic abuse and planning to keep you safe
  • safe housing – refuge accommodation if you need a secure place to stay
  • group sessions – support groups to share and learn with others
  • help for children and young people – support for those affected by abuse
  • cultural harm – advice and support for harmful cultural practices
  • LGBTQ+ support – advocacy and help for LGBTQ+ people
  • stalking support – advice and help if you are being stalked
  • behaviour change – support for people who use abusive behaviour and for victims who have developed unhealthy behaviours because of abuse

Refuge provision

If you need a safe place to stay because of domestic abuse, you can call the Stop Domestic Abuse helpline anytime on 0330 053 3630 to explore safe accommodation through refuge. 

If you’re in immediate danger, please call 999. 

If you’re under 16:

  • if you want to talk about domestic abuse, please call Childline on 0800 1111
  • if you’re aged between 13-15 and in an unhealthy/abusive relationship, you can call Stop Domestic Abuse on 0330 053 3630

Blue Lamp Trust

A free service for vulnerable people, including those affected by domestic abuse, offering home safety and security improvements. Visit Blue Lamp Trust website.

Portsmouth Abuse & Rape Counselling Service (PARCS)

A trauma informed service which aims to address sexual violence and domestic abuse in our community

Sexual Trauma and Recovery (STAR) Counselling

Working with people who have experienced sexual trauma, whether this is recent or non-recent rape, sexual abuse, or sexual violence/crime.

  • provides support across East & South Hampshire, including Portsmouth, Havant, Fareham, Gosport and Winchester
  • services:
    • one to one counselling for adults, young people and children
    • peer-support groups (women’s, men’s, mixed, LGBTQ+, and youth)
  • call 0800 121 4690
  • email youcounselling@theyoutrust.org.uk

Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

A place you can go after a rape or sexual assault for confidential medical, practical, and emotional support from specialist doctors, nurses, and support workers:

  • confidential forensic medical exams (with or without police involvement)
  • emergency contraception, STI screening and treatment
  • emotional crisis support via specialist nurses and crisis workers
  • call 0300 123 6616 (Available 24/7)
  • email treetops@solent.nhs.uk

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC) Winchester

Provides a free, confidential listening and support service (not medical) for all genders and ages who have been raped and/or sexually abuse at any time in their lives and who are suffering sexual trauma as a consequence of their unwanted experiences:

National support services

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

For anyone experience domestic abuse (support for all genders via signposting). Available 24/7

Men's Advice Line

Support for male victims of abuse.

Galop (LGBTQ+ Support)

Help for LGBTQ+ people experiencing abuse.

Rape & Sexual Abuse Line (Rape Crisis England & Wales)

For anyone 16+ who has experienced sexual violence, regardless of gender. Available 24/7.

Women's Aid Domestic Abuse Directory

Find domestic abuse support services in your area on the Women's Aid Domestic Abuse Directory. 

Is your relationship healthy?

The "Is This Love?" campaign helps people understand what a healthy relationship looks like. Take the Is This Love? relationship quiz to check if your relationship is safe. 

Support for people who want to change their behaviour

If you recognise that you’re hurting someone, including your partner or a family member, there are services available to change your behaviour. You can get confidential support through:

Up2U: Creating Healthy Relationships

A programme provided in Portsmouth for individuals who recognise and accept they’re using abusive and unhealthy behaviours within their intimate partner relationships and, are motivated to change these. 

More information can be found on the Stop Domestic Abuse website.

Stop, Think, Change

For people who want to stop using abusive behaviours in their relationships. It is designed to support those who have acted in ways that are harmful or controlling towards a partner, ex-partner, family member, or others close to them. 

Available in Fareham, Gosport & Havant, for those who use abusive behaviours in their intimate partner relationships and non-intimate familial relationships. More information can be found on the Stop Domestic Abuse website.

Hampton Trust

A service designed to help individuals understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy actions associated with harmful behaviour. Available in Winchester. Visit the Hampton Trust website.

Respect Phoneline

A confidential helpline for people who want to stop abusive behaviour.

You are not alone. Whatever your situation, support is available, and there are people who will listen and help you stay safe. 

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