Homelessness

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, we can provide legal advice around your rights and refer you for further support. The Housing Solutions team works closely with Southend-on-Sea Domestic Abuse Projects (SOSDAP), who provide life-saving support to those experiencing domestic abuse.

• if you are a woman fleeing domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247
• if you are a man experiencing domestic abuse you can call either the Mens Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 or ManKind on 01823 334244
• if you are in an abusive LGBT+ relationship, you can call the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 999 5428
• if your personal safety is threatened or you are at risk of assault or injury, you should call the police on 999

Please note that the Council will not have a duty to provide emergency housing to everyone fleeing domestic abuse. However if you do approach the council you will always be provided with advice and support, whether that be in person or by phone. In many cases, you and your family will be safer if you approach a refuge, where you will also receive advice and support.

If you are fleeing domestic abuse, you do not need a local connection to a local council area for that council to assist you and you may be safer if you relocate to another area.

Help for children and young people

If you or someone else in your family is being hurt at home, you may not be sure what you can do about it. Domestic abuse is not your fault and you wont get into trouble for telling someone about it. The first thing is to tell someone else about what is happening to you. You can tell a teacher, a neighbour, a friend or a friends parent.

You can call Childline on 0800 1111 for free. They wont tell anyone else you are calling unless you are in immediate danger. They can tell you about places where you can get help. Find out more from The Hideout about children and young people and domestic abuse and violence.