Menu

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse help

Help for you if you are suffering domestic abuse

This page provides some basic information for people suffering domestic abuse who need housing advice in Cherwell.

For more information, or to discuss your situation, please contact:

Seeking help from a Local Authority

If you are a victim of domestic abuse and you are not safe in your home, you may be able to seek assistance from a local authority as homeless. It is important that any local authority you approach for assistance is able to provide you a place of safety. This is unlikely to be in the immediate area you are fleeing from. Homeless legislation specifically states that you do not need a connection to the local authority you approach for help if you are a victim of abuse.

The local authority will be required to make appropriate enquiries into your situation and you should supply them with all supporting information you have. They may provide you with temporary accommodation pending the outcome of their enquiries and while they try to help you resolve your situation. There will be a duty to work with you to develop a ‘Personalised Housing Plan’. This will outline the steps that you and your housing officer should take to find you more settled housing in a safe place.

Further information, support and advice on housing solutions can be obtained from the following organisations:  

Cherwell District Council, Housing Options Team

Citizens Advice West Northants and Cherwell

Help to stay in your home

If you feel that you want to stay in your home, you can get legal advice about obtaining an injunction.

An injunction is a court order that either protects you or your child from being harmed or threatened by the person who’s abused you (this is called a ‘non-molestation order’) or decides who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area – this is called an ‘occupation order’

You could obtain an occupation order even if you do not own any interest in the property you have been living in, or you are not a tenant.

Domestic Violence Assist provides free confidential help and can assist in obtaining injunction orders to survivors of domestic violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation. Legal Aid is available subject to means testing. You can call 0800 195 8699 or visit the Domestic Violence Assist website.

Moving to a safe place

Make sure you plan your departure safely. Call the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Refuge and Women’s Aid on 0808 2000 247, they can help you talk through your options. The helpline acts as the gateway to all services across the country and helps women find a space in a refuge.

If you don’t have any friends or relatives or other accommodation that you can stay in safely, there are specialist refuges all over the UK. Refuges are not just emergency accommodation – you will be supported to rebuild your life.

If you have decided to leave home, take some essentials with you such as a change of clothes, toiletries and any medication you need to take regularly. Try to bring important items such as your passport, bank and credit cards and mobile phone.

Do not make a decision to give up your home permanently until you have obtained advice about your rights the Council’s Housing Options Team, Citizens Advice or other advice agency.

You are likely to require legal advice from a solicitor and can find contact details for one at solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk

Target Hardening Scheme

Home security for those experiencing domestic abuse.

The Target Hardening Scheme is a victim-centred programme that can prevent homelessness by allowing victim-survivors of domestic abuse to remain safely in their home where it is their choice and safe to do so.

Through the Scheme, anyone who no longer lives with the perpetrator can receive help to have security measures installed that will make them feel safer.

This means victim-survivors and their families can stay close to their support networks and do not have to disrupt life by becoming homeless and fleeing to another area.

What does the Target Hardening Scheme provide?

Our trained officers will assess each property and install any suitable target hardening measures to improve security. Every Scheme is different to make sure it meets the needs of the individual, the property, and their situation. If staying in your home is safe, security measures can include:

  • new or extra door locks
  • security lighting
  • smart or camera doorbells

Even with these extra security measures, Cherwell District Council cannot guarantee your household’s safety. It is important to understand if the Target Hardening Scheme is the right choice for you.

Eligibility

The scheme is free and is open to all victim-survivors of domestic abuse living in Cherwell. It is available to people living in housing association properties, private tenants, as well as owner occupiers. You will need to have rights to occupy the property as either sole owner or tenant or be able to exclude the perpetrator of the violence through legal means. If you live in rented accommodation, the landlord’s permission is needed before we can complete any work on the property.

If you live outside of Cherwell, you will need to contact your local council to find out how to apply.

Accessing the scheme

If you are experiencing or have been affected by domestic abuse and feel unsafe but want to remain living in your home, the Target Hardening Scheme could be an option for you. Please contact our Housing Options Team to find out more or to apply.

Telephone: 01295 227004

Email:  housingregister@cherwell-dc.gov.uk

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

Advice and Support -  domestic abuse advice and support

Signs of Domestic Abuse - signs of domestic abuse