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Domestic abuse
In case of an emergency
In an emergency you should always call 999.
If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999, and then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without having to speak.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse covers a range of types of abuse, including, but not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, economical or emotional abuse. Domestic abuse can be prosecuted under a range of offences and describes a range of controlling and coercive behaviours, used by one person to maintain control over another with whom they have, or have had, an intimate or family relationship. Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off incident. It is not your fault and you are not alone.
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Domestic abuse is a strand of violence against women and girls (VAWG). VAWG is both a form of discrimination and a violation of human rights. VAWG strands covered by Tower Hamlets include:
75 per cent of victims of abuse in Tower Hamlets are women but we also recognise that boys and men are victims of violence too.
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Safety advice if you are living with your abuser
- Keep your phone charged and on you at all times
- Ensure phone credit is topped up
- Keep away from the kitchen if trying to find a safe space / avoid your abuser
- Speak to a trusted neighbour about the situation and ask them to call 999 if they hear loud noises/arguments
- At the first sign of abuse call 999 for help
The Women's Aid website has safety advice and a COVID-19 safety guide
If your abuser has access to your phone/internet access, please delete your browsing history after you have visited the site
Worried about a friend or neighbour
If you are worried that your friend or neighbour is experiencing domestic abuse you can:
- Reach out to the victim and let them know that you care
- Ask the victim if they are ok
- Call 999
Contact Solace's Silence Shields Abuse Campaign if you would like to talk to someone about your concern. Tel: 0808 802 5565
You could be the person that makes a difference.
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Support services are still operating during the coronavirus pandemic
Local support
| Organisation | Contact details |
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Tower Hamlets Victim Support IDVAs
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020 7364 7957
020 7364 2448
(Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm)
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Victim Support
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0808 1689 111 (24 hour support line)
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Tower Hamlets Crisis Intervention Service
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020 3222 4027
Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm Weekends - 10am to 6pm
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Stratford / Thames Magistrates Court updates
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0300 303 0645
Email: northlondonmc@justice.gov.uk
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Bowling & Co solicitors
(Legal advice relating to domestic abuse and family law, such as non-molestation orders, child arrangements, or divorce)
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020 8221 8000
07464 925 083 (in case of emergencies)
Email: family@bowlinglaw.co.uk
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Tower Hamlets VAWG Team
Duty line for signposting professionals and victims onto specialist VAWG services
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0800 279 5434 (Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm)
Email: Domestic.Violence@towerhamlets.gov.uk
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Tower Hamlets Housing Options Service Team (HOST)
For those at risk of homelessness
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020 7364 7474 Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm.
After 5pm call their emergency line on 020 7364 4079
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Adult Safeguarding Team
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020 7364 5005
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Children Safeguarding Team
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020 7364 3444
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National support
| Organisation | Contact details |
|---|
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National Domestic Violence Helpline
(for free safety advice and refuge spaces)
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0808 2000 247 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Free rail journeys are available for victims who are offered a refuge place. To apply for train tickets, Email: membership@womensaid.org.uk
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Galop (LGBT+ community)
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0800 999 5428 open Monday-Friday 10am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 4pm
Email: help@galop.org.uk
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Men's Advice Line
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0808 801 0327 Monday-Friday (9am-8pm Monday & Wednesday; 9am-5pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
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SignHealth
provides advice and support for Deaf adults and young people experiencing domestic abuse
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0203 947 2600 (all calls to the Domestic Abuse Team are being redirected – if unable to get through then please email the service). Text 07970 350366
Email: da@signhealth.org.uk
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Rights of Women
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offer free legal advice and have online guidance on issues such as: immigration and asylum, child contact arrangements and criminal law
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Surviving Economic Abuse
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If you are experiencing economic abuse, Surviving Economic Abuse has practical advice |
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Women's Aid
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Online support service (Monday to Friday 10am-12pm)
COVID-19 safety guide
Women’s Aid and Imkaan also coordinate free rail travel via the “Rail to Refuge” Scheme once a refuge place has been offered.
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Hestia
Provides a free-to-download mobile app, Bright Sky, which hides as a weather app but provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
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website
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Other VAWG support
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Full list of support services
Please see our VAWG directory of support services, who are here help victims or survivors of abuse.
Get help
Perpetrators of abuse
If you are worried about how you are treating your partner or family member and want to stop your behaviour
Get help
Information or advice about a court case
If you require information or advice about a court related case, please contact the Police Officer in charge or your IDVA/Support Worker.
Professionals - how to make a referral
Contact information
Tel: 0800 279 5434
Email: domestic.violence@towerhamlets.gov.uk