Domestic abuse and housing
The Home Office describes domestic abuse as "any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality".
Gloucestershire domestic abuse support service
Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service is a county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families. It operates in all Districts offering a variety of support programmes for women and men over 16 years old experiencing Domestic Abuse. For more information on the local help and support available visit the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service.
In an emergency, always dial 999
Homelessness
We offer support and help whether you're homeless or worried about becoming homeless.
If you're homeless or threatened with homelessness, we can help. We'll always try to prevent you from becoming homeless in the first instance.
There are lots of services to help you to stay in your current home, including help with tenancy issues or relationship breakdowns.
If staying in your current home isn't an option, we can help you look for a new home or other alternatives.
We also offer services to help if you're experiencing domestic abuse.
If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, contact us as soon as possible for an appointment to see a housing adviser or complete the online self-assessment form and we will contact you.
Each case is different. We will offer you an appointment with a housing advisor to talk privately about your situation. You are welcome to bring a friend or support worker along with you. All information will be treated in confidence.
The advice and assistance that we offer will depend on your wishes, and whether you wish to leave your current home or discuss what options are available. Information may include the following:
- your rights of occupation
- assistance with referral to Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) for further advice and support
- access to alternative accommodation
What if I am homeless?
If you are homeless, we will offer you an appointment with a Housing advisor to talk about your situation in private. They will:
- help you to complete a homeless application
- help arrange a place of safety, this may be a refuge through GDASS, but may also be emergency accommodation
- advise you of your legal rights
- let you know what help we can offer regarding housing through Homeseeker Plus.
Making an appointment
If you are homeless, threatened with homelessness, or just want advice, you should:
- email the Housing team
- call us on 01594 810000
Refuges
Women's refuges
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 and many refuges have disabled access and workers who can assist women who have special needs.
Men's refuges
There is no emergency refuge provision in Gloucestershire but we can put you in contact with hostels that may be able to provide accommodation. We may also be able to secure temporary accommodation on your behalf.
Children
It is emotionally damaging for children to live in a home where there is domestic abuse. People experiencing domestic abuse often worry what will happen to their children if they disclose it to someone. You will be supported to ensure that they are protected from the effects. There is help for you and your children to be safe and reduce the risk.
Please visit The Hideout website
Sources of support for domestic abuse
| Service | Telephone number |
|---|---|
| Emergency temporary housing |
01594 810000 (office hours) |
| Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service | 01452 726 570 |
| Safer Gloucestershire | 01452 396 984 |
| Gloucestershire Constabulary | 101 |
| Gloucestershire Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre | 01452 526770 |
| National 24-hour domestic violence helpline | 0808 2000 247 |
| National centre for domestic violence | 0844 8044 999 |
| Childline | 0208 558 1986 |
| Men's advice line | 0808 801 0327 |
| Elder abuse | 0808 808 8141 |
| Samaritans | 01865 721 122 / 08457 909 090 |
| Women's aid national domestic violence helpline | 0808 2000 247 |
| Victim support | 0808 168911 |
| Social care emergency duty team | 01452 614 194 |
| Citizens advice bureau | 0844 111 444 |
| Shelter | 0808 800 4444 |
The Forest of Dean domestic abuse and sexual violence forum
The Forest of Dean domestic abuse and sexual violence forum meets regularly and brings together organisations who work with people affected by domestic violence and abuse to ensure they can access the support they need. For more information contact the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Service:
- call 01452 726 570
- email GDASS
Staying safe online
If you do not want anyone to know that you have visited this page or any other domestic violence websites, please follow the steps below to clear the computer's history:
Internet Explorer
- Click the Tools menu and select Internet Options
- On General page, under Browsing history, click Delete
- Tick the box next to Delete browsing history on exit and click Apply.
Google Chrome
- Click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar
- Select Tools
- Select Clear browsing data
- In the box that appears, click the boxes for the types of information that you want to remove
- Use the menu at the top to select the amount of data that you want to delete. Select beginning of time to delete everything
- Click Clear browsing data.
Firefox
- At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button and then select Options
- Select the Advanced panel
- Click on the Network tab
- In the Cached Web Content section, click Clear Now.