Domestic Violence

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

(N.B. Sections referring to women could equally apply to men, apart from the Women's Refuge, which is a service available to women only).

 

• Domestic Violence

  Domestic violence can occur in different ways. It does not necessarily mean actual physical violence, it could mean threats or fear of violence in the home, or mental and sexual abuse.

• What can you do

  If you are under threat of domestic violence in your home there are three main ways you can choose to deal with it. You can use one or a combination from the following:

  • Apply for a Court Order

  • Move into a Refuge

  • Apply to the Council under the Homelessness Legislation

• Court Orders

  A Court Order is a written order from a Court telling a person to do something, or not to do something. There are two main sorts of order that can be used in cases of domestic violence.

• Firstly, there is a 'non-molestation' order which tells a violent man not to harass, threaten or be violent towards a women or her children.
  

• Secondly, there is an 'Occupation' order which tells a violent man to leave the home or keep a certain distance away from a women and her children. Anyone who disobeys an injunction can be sent to prison.

• Refuges
  
  These are hostels which provide emergency accommodation for women who are under threat of domestic violence. The women's Refuge in Ipswich (also known as Women's Aid) is independently run and has an 'open door' policy which means that no one should be turned away if they are in fear of violence. There is a country network of Women's Refuges. So if you are worried that you will not be safe in Ipswich they can arrange a place in another town.
  
  Women who are not resident in the Refuge can still contact them for advice.
  
  If you wish to contact the Women's Aid, ask at the Housing Advice Centre. Alternatively, in an emergency, the Police can put you in touch.

• Application to the Council

  Ipswich Borough Council has a duty to make available accommodation to a woman who is fleeing violence from within her home. If this applies to you, you should come to the Housing Advisory Centre and ask to see a Housing Options Officer.

We will arrange accommodation for you at the Women's Refuge, where you will be safe and will be given practical advice and support. If the Women's Refuge is full then you will be offered temporary housing or another refuge in the surrounding area.

If you require information on your rights to occupy your existing home either make an appointment to see a Housing Advisory Officer or see our leaflet entitled 'Relationship Breakdown'

• Help with Housing Costs

  Do you pay Rent?

If you have to leave your home because of domestic violence and you are responsible for paying the rent on your new home and the home that you have left, you may be able to claim help with the cost of maintaining both homes for a limited period of time. Your entitlement to Housing Benefit will depend upon your individual and financial circumstances.

For further information and a claim form contact:

Ipswich Borough Benefits
Ipswich Borough Council,
Grafton House,
15 – 17 Russell Road,
Ipswich
IP1 2DE.

Telephone: (01473) 432700

Do you pay a Mortgage?

If you are buying your home and you are entitled to income Support you should ask the Benefits Agency (DSS) for help with the interest payments on your mortgage.

If you are paying rent at another address, for example the Women's Refuge, you should apply at the Council for Housing Benefit.

The Benefits Agency
Felix House
Silent Street
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 2TF

Telephone: (01473) 267700