What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is one of the worst forms of abuse. Most people who suffer domestic violence are women. The person carrying out the violence may be a husband, partner, same sex partner, lodger, carer, ex-husband/partner or other family member.
However, victims are not always women; men also suffer violence from their partners or other people. Children who live with domestic violence can be traumatised. The abuse towards the victim can extend to the children and can cause emotional and psychological damage.
Forms of domestic violence may include:
- Physical assault – hitting, punching, kicking, slapping.
- Threats of violence.
- Sexual violence, abuse or rape.
- Bullying.
- Violence or threats to children.
- Violence or threats to pets.
- Humiliation and/or constant ridicule, undermining or criticism.
- Deprivation of money or food.
- Confinement in the home.
- Preventing you from working.
- Control over when you are able to go out, how long you can be out and who you are able to meet.
This section explains how you can get help and support if you are experiencing domestic violence.
We are committed to improving our response to tackling domestic violence. We will do this by providing support, advice and assistance.
Our Commitment
Trident will take all reasonable steps to promote and defend the rights of women, men and children to live free from violence, intimidation and abuse. We will make sure that a range of services and support are available to people suffering from domestic violence. We will do this by working with other agencies, and in partnership with the police and specialist refuge groups.
Our Service Standards
We will:
- Help to arrange emergency accommodation for a customer who is a victim of domestic violence, and is assessed as being in immediate danger, if this will reduce the risk;
- Respond to serious incidents of domestic violence by offering an interview or personal visit within 24 hours;
- Ensure that an interview takes place within 5 working days of the initial complaint, and agree an action plan;
- Ensure that all complainants will be contacted to review cases at least monthly;
- Ensure that all complainants, witnesses and people who have committed domestic violence will be informed in writing, within 5 days of a case being closed, giving the reasons for doing so.
What Can You Do?
If you are suffering domestic violence there are many people you can go to for help or advice. There is a list of useful contacts at the end of this section.
Planning to Leave your Home
There may be a time when you have to leave your home in a hurry to flee from a particular assault either on a temporary basis or to leave permanently. If you think you might
need to do this you can plan by doing the following:
- Keep an extra set of keys for the house or car, money and a set of clothes for you and your children (if you have any) packed ready in a bag.
- Keep a note of the emergency telephone numbers noted below and numbers for close family or friends with you at all times.
- Think of a safe place to use a phone.
- Keep some money readily available for transport.
- Consider talking to your children about your plans if you think they can cope with this.
Useful Contacts
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Childline: 0800 111 111
Sandwell Women’s Aid: 0121 552 9975
Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid: 07824 2770
Victim Support: 01384 455116
Trident Housing Options Team: 0121 633 4633
