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Domestic Abuse Support

Safe, confidential help for anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Peterborough

💔 Understanding Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is never acceptable. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality, or background. Abuse isn't just physical - it can be emotional, financial, sexual, or psychological. If you're experiencing abuse, it's not your fault, and help is available.

Many people experiencing domestic abuse also face homelessness. Whether you need to leave an abusive situation urgently or you're already homeless due to abuse, there are services specifically designed to help you stay safe and rebuild your life.

💜 You Deserve Safety

Everyone has the right to live free from fear and abuse. Support services are available 24/7 and completely confidential.

🚨 Emergency Help

📞 If you're in immediate danger

Call 999 - police can help you leave safely and provide immediate protection

🏠 Need to escape urgently?

Refuge spaces are available - call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for immediate help finding safe accommodation

📱 Silent call to police

Call 999, stay silent, then press 55 when prompted. This connects you to police without making noise

📞 24/7 Helplines

🏠 National Domestic Abuse Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse

  • • Call: 0808 2000 247
  • • Free, confidential, 24/7
  • • Can help find refuge spaces

👨 Men's Advice Line

Support for men experiencing domestic abuse

  • • Call: 0808 501 0427
  • • Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
  • • Confidential advice

🌈 LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline

Specialist support for LGBT+ communities

  • • Call: 0800 999 5428
  • • Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
  • • Understanding of specific issues

👵 Hourglass (Elder Abuse)

Support for older people experiencing abuse

  • • Call: 0808 808 8141
  • • Free, confidential
  • • Specialist elder abuse support

📍 Local Services in Peterborough

🏢 Specialist Support

  • Peterborough Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS)
  • Peterborough Women's Aid
  • CRC (Cambridgeshire Refugee Support)
  • Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)

🏠 Safe Accommodation

  • Women's refuges in Peterborough
  • Men's safe accommodation
  • Family refuge spaces
  • Emergency B&B placements

🛡️ Types of Support Available

🏠 Safe Accommodation

Emergency refuge spaces and temporary housing

Including women's refuges, men's accommodation, and family spaces

⚖️ Legal Support

Help with injunctions, court orders, and legal rights

Free legal advice available through local services

🎯 Safety Planning

Personalized plans to keep you safe

Including escape plans and protection strategies

👥 Support Groups

Connect with others who understand

Peer support and shared experiences

💰 Financial Support

Help with money and housing costs

Including benefits advice and emergency funds

🎒 How Help4Homeless Can Help

🎁 Emergency Supplies

  • • Wellbeing packs with essentials
  • • Clothing and toiletries
  • • Food and water supplies
  • • Phone credit to call services

🤝 Safe Connections

  • • Help contacting specialist services
  • • Support with safety planning
  • • Information about local refuges
  • • Connection to legal support

🔒 Confidential Support

  • • Non-judgmental volunteers
  • • Safe space to talk
  • • No pressure to share details
  • • Respect for your privacy

🌟 Building Independence

  • • Support with housing applications
  • • Help accessing benefits
  • • Connection to training/education
  • • Long-term recovery support

📋 Safety Planning

🎒 Emergency Bag

Keep a bag ready with essentials: ID documents, medication, clothes, money, keys, and important numbers.

📱 Safe Phone

Keep a spare phone or change your PIN. Save important numbers under safe names.

👥 Code Word

Arrange a code word with trusted friends or family to signal you need help.

🏃 Escape Routes

Plan different ways to leave your home safely. Practice with children if needed.

📞 Important Numbers

Save helpline numbers in your phone and memorize them. Write them down if needed.

❤️ Supporting Someone Experiencing Abuse

If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic abuse, here's how you can help safely:

✅ What You Can Do

  • Listen without judgment
  • Believe them
  • Offer practical help (childcare, transport)
  • Help them contact support services
  • Respect their decisions

❌ What to Avoid

  • Don't confront the abuser
  • Don't blame them or ask why they stay
  • Don't pressure them to leave
  • Don't share their story without permission
  • Don't give up on them

⚖️ Your Legal Rights

🏠 Housing Rights

You have priority need status if you're fleeing domestic abuse

The council must provide emergency housing

⚖️ Legal Protection

Non-molestation orders, restraining orders, and occupation orders

Free legal help available through legal aid

👶 Children's Safety

Children affected by domestic abuse have special protections

Social services can help keep children safe

You Deserve to Be Safe

Help is available 24/7. You don't have to face this alone.