- Try to spend a few days with friends or relatives while you think about what to do next
- You won’t always be able to get emergency accommodation if you leave your home because of violence or abuse.
- Don’t give up your home until you’ve spoken to one of our housing advisers or an adviser from the domestic abuse services.
- Try and have a plan of where you’re going to go before you leave your home.
Domestic abuse and housing
The police can provide practical help and advice, and there are officers who deal specifically with cases of domestic violence. They are trained to assist and will consider your safety and wellbeing as their first priority.
If you wish, you can meet personally with a member of the domestic violence team. The time and place of the meeting can be arranged to suit you.
For more information on the local help and support available please follow the link to the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS)
Warning
In an emergency, always call 999
Useful advice and support
There are organisations who can help you stay safe in your home or find you somewhere else to live.
Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) is a county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families.
GDASS operates in all districts offering a variety of support programmes for women and men over 16 years old experiencing domestic abuse.
Their services include:
- Help for victims to access services such as housing or mental health support
- Help and advice on how to stay safe in your own home
- Finding places in one of Gloucestershire’s safe houses
Call: 01452 726570 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm or Email: support@gdass.org.uk
National Domestic Violence Helpline helps women experiencing domestic abuse.
You’ll be able to talk confidentially to someone about your situation and find out what your options are.
Call: 0808 2000 247. The phone line is open 24 hours day.
Women’s Aid has published the Survivor’s Handbook which has practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse.
If you want to stay in your home, you can apply for a ‘target hardening’ service. This is when the police come to your home and make adjustments to try to make it safer
You can apply for target hardening if the person abusing you:
- Isn’t living with you
- Has been living with you but has been told by the court to stay away
Target hardening can include:
- Window and door locks
- Door chains
- Spy holes
- Fire proof letter boxes
If you’re renting, your landlord will need to agree to any work being done.
If you’re interested in making your home safer, contact GDASS. They’ll give you advice about whether it’s right for you.