Domestic abuse

We are working to be accredited with the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), a national partnership between housing associations Peabody, Gentoo, and London-based charity Standing Together Against Domestic Violence.

By becoming DAHA accredited, we are taking a stand to ensure we deliver safe, supportive and effective responses to domestic abuse.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and are in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse. It is committed by someone close to you, such as a partner or family member and can include:

  • psychological abuse
  • physical abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • financial abuse
  • emotional abuse.

Our first aim is always to minimise any risk of harm to residents (and their children) reporting domestic violence and abuse. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or worried about a neighbour or other Phoenix resident, please contact us. We are here to support you and will work with other agencies and professionals to keep our residents safe.

You can find more information about the forms of domestic abuse and action you should take in this video by members of our youth leadership programme #BeIn.

 

Action Phoenix will take

When you report a case of domestic abuse to Phoenix, we will arrange to meet with the victim within 24 hours of the report in a private environment. Our specialist staff are trained and experienced in dealing with domestic abuse and will always support victims and survivors of domestic abuse sensitively, appropriately and in confidence.

Our support includes:

  • To provide support and advice on commencing legal action against perpetrators.
  • To see residents affected by domestic violence within 24 hours of the first report.
  • To make improvements to the security of your home.
  • To explore all available options to ensure the safety of residents affected by domestic violence
  • To keep in regular contact with residents affected by domestic violence.
  • To have accurate recording systems.
  • To signpost you to other organisations who can provide specialist support.

Phoenix works in partnership with local agencies to actively reduce the instances and impact of domestic violence. These include:

  • Lewisham Council
  • Metropolitan Police
  • Victim Support and Refuge Independent Domestic Violence Agency (IDVA) services.

For more information about our approach to managing and reducing the instance of domestic abuse cases and how we will work with other agencies and partners to ensure the ongoing safety of victims or survivors of domestic abuse, please read our Domestic Abuse policy.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and are in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

Additional help and support

For help and support contact:

  • Athena Confidential, non-judgmental support to those living in the London Borough of Lewisham who are experiencing gender-based violence. Call 0800 112 4052 or email lewishamvawg@reguge.org.uk
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline Free, confidential 24hour helpline. Call 0808 2000 247 or chat to staff online Monday to Friday from 3-6pm.
  • Bright Sky  A free to download mobile app, launched in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. Download on the app store or google play.
  • Refuge National charity providing help for men, women and children experiencing domestic abuse. You can speak to Refuge by contacting the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
  • Men’s Advice Line Free helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse. Call 0808 8010327 Monday to Friday from 9am – 8pm or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk for a response Monday to Friday from 9am – 8pm and on weekends from 10am – 12noon and 4pm-6pm
  • The Havens. The Havens are specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
  • Government advice and guidance during the Coronavirus crisis  Household isolation instructions as a result of coronavirus do not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.