Women
Help and Support for Victims of Domestic Violence and Other Forms of Violence Against Women
Are you or someone you know being threatened or abused by a partner or ex partner?
Domestic violence is very common and can happen to anyone. In fact 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence at some stage in their lives.
The phrase ‘domestic violence’ makes most people think of physical abuse. Domestic violence can involve behaviour by your partner such as slapping, beating and kicking which can at its worst lead to permanent injury. But there are also other ways you can be abused. These can be sexual, emotional and mental. The abuse may be by your partner or husband but could also be form other family members such as your father, uncle or son or by female relatives. Remember, no one has the right to hurt or abuse you. Domestic violence is wrong and is treated seriously in this borough.
This leaflet gives you information about who you can contact for advice and practical help.
Police
If you or your children are in immediate danger then call the police emergency services on 999
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Hammersmith and Fulham Police
Hammersmith
020 8563 1212
Shepherds Bush
020 7371 1212
Fulham
020 7385 1212
Community Safety Unit (CSU) 020 8246 2880
The CSU investigates crimes of domestic violence. If you have called the police out to a domestic violence incident then they will provide you with contact details for ADVANCE, an independent service which can offer you help and advice.
National Domestic Violence Advice Lines and Websites
National Domestic Violence 24 Hour Helpline
0808 2000 247
Provides advice on all aspects of domestic violence. This includes how to access emergency accommodation, local services which can help you and advice on how to keep safe. Interpreting services can be provided. All calls are free of charge.
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National Centre for Domestic Violence
08709 220 704
24 hour service providing legal advice to victims of domestic violence
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Refuge
Women’s Aid
Both sites provide information and advice on domestic violence. Information can be accessed in a variety of languages.
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Broken Rainbow
08452 604 460
Helpline and advice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.
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Respect
0845 122 8609
Phone line and advice for men who want to stop their abusive behaviour towards their partners. Interpreters can be provided. Leaflets and posters are available in Polish.
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Men’s Advice Line
08450 646 800
Help line for men who are victims of domestic violence
Domestic Violence Services in Hammersmith and Fulham
Services listed below provide advice and support on domestic violence to all women living in Hammersmith and Fulham unless stated otherwise.
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Westside
07771 905 306
Domestic violence advice and support for women living in Hammersmith and Fulham. Will also provide support for women suffering violence from other family members.
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Hammersmith Women’s Aid
07921 761 147 or 07921 760 042
Domestic violence support for women in Hammersmith and Fulham
and for women living in the North Fulham NDC area only
07921 761 143
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Advance Advocacy Project
Services available to women referred by the police, housing advice service, Charing Cross Accident and Emergency Department and Parsons Green Walk in Centre.
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Hammersmith and Fulham Victim Support
020 7385 6868
Help support and advice for victims of domestic violence and other crimes.
Legal and other advice services in Hammersmith and Fulham
East European Advice Centre
020 8741 1288
E mail: info@eeac.org.uk
Advice on issues such as immigration, housing, health, employment and welfare. Polish speaking advisers are available and the website can be accessed in Polish.
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Hammersmith and Fulham Law Centre
020 8741 4021
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Hammersmith and Fulham Housing Advice and Assessment Service (local authority)
020 8753 4215
Advice on emergency housing and other housing issues. Includes advice on their housing options for people fleeing domestic violence. This can include assistance on accessing refuge space or other emergency accommodation.
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Hammersmith and Fulham Children’s Services – Contact and Assessment Service (CAS)
020 8753 5842 or 020 8753 5269
Out of hours 020 8753 5392
E mail: cas.glenthorne@lbhf.gov.uk
Contact the service if you have any concerns about a child being mistreated. This can include issues around domestic abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Other Useful National Support Lines and Websites
Immigration Advisory Service
Office hours: 020 7967 1200 Emergency out of hours: 020 7378 9191
Provides a free legal advice service to immigrants and asylum seekers
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National Child Protection Helpline (NSPCC)
0808 800 5000
www.nspcc.org.uk
Call the helpline if you are concerned that a child is being neglected or abused. Interpreters can be provided.
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Samaritans
08457 90 90 90
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Shelter 24 Hour Advice Line
0808 800 4444
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Safety Planning Checklist
Be ready to call 999 if you or your children are in danger.
Keep some money and a set of keys in a safe place.
Find out about your legal and housing rights, e.g. talk to a solicitor.
Keep copies of important papers (passports, birth certificates) safe so you can take them with you should you decide to leave.
Carry a list of emergency numbers with you e.g. police, friends etc
Tell someone you trust about the abuse.
Report any injuries to your GP so there is a record of the abuse.
Think about escape routes so you and your children can get away safely in an emergency.
Pack an emergency bag. Include clothing, medication, money, keys, important documents etc
Logos – DV Forum, H&F, Met Police
