Domestic Violence

The Governments definition of domestic violence is:

"Any incident of threatening behaviour violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality".

This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as forced marriage and so called ' honour killings'.

Domestic violence can also take place in lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender relationships and can involve other family members, including children.

Research shows that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men suffer from domestic violence in their lifetime. Homes in Havering seek to help our residents who are victims. We want to ensure the victims security of a home and not let perpetrators profit from their crime.

We will:

• Provide advice and guidance about your tenancy
• Signpost to supporting agencies such as, Victim Support, Women's Aid, Community Safety Police
• Provide locations of drop in advice centres
• Provide safety measures to your home. Schemes like Safe as Houses and Sanctuary
• Provide legal advice in seeking injunctions or non-molestation orders and family law action

The Anti-Social Behaviour team work in close partnership with Havering Councils Community Safety Team, Domestic Violence Co-Coordinator. We have an ASB Officer who is our domestic violence champion. Our champion monitor's reports made to us, provide front line investigating staff with training and attends domestic violence forums and conferences.

The domestic violence forums provide partnership working, exchanging up to date information and has a strategic role in Havering. We have good working relationship with;

• Victim Support
• Women's Aid
• Supporting People
• Community Safety Unit
• Safer Neighbourhood Teams
• Housing and Health – Homeless – Lettings – Private Sector Leasing Teams