Practical help

So you are at the point where you want to gather information about your options. It's always good to talk to people but here is some information that will give you an idea about your rights.

All of the following services, except refuges, are available to both male and female victims.

Where will I live?

In relation to housing there are really four options.

• Local Authority housing
• Refuge
• Friends
• I don’t want to leave – it's my home

So what can the Local Authority do for me?

Under the Housing Act, housing departments of district councils have a statutory responsibility to put a roof over the head of someone who is fleeing domestic violence. This service is open to everyone and not just those who have previously lived in council property.

You can also contact Shelterline for more advice on your rights. In Oxfordshire, Turpin, Miller and Higgins are experts in housing rights.

There is no expectation that you have to have any supporting evidence when claiming homelessness due to domestic violence. In reality it is much easier for the homeless section to accept you as unintentionally homeless if they do have some evidence.  This can come in the form of support from someone like your health visitor or doctor. 

Where do I go to find out?

You can attend any district council housing office and present yourself as homeless due to fleeing domestic violence.

What is a refuge?

A refuge is a safe house for women and children escaping domestic violence. You can stay there (with or without children) until you decide what to do next. Sometimes women just stay for a few days to give themselves a break and sometimes they use it as a stepping stone to leaving permanently.

When you arrive at the refuge you will be given a Key Worker who will lead you through the obstacles you will have to cope with. They will help and support you all the way.

Finding a refuge

The addresses, for obvious reasons are kept secret. Locally you can contact Oxfordshire Women's Aid, Berkshire Women's Aid or the Cherwell Refuge for advice. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Helpline.

How will I get there? What about my children? I don’t have any money

The refuge staff deal with these types of issues everyday, and they will talk to you to find the best solution for your circumstances. They may liase with other agencies on your behalf. Whatever your problems they will work with you to find an answer you are happy with.

What about my pet?

You can’t take a pet into a refuge but we do have a local service that will foster your animal for you.  Pet Refuge provides a pet fostering service for families who are staying in refuge accommodation.

What if I just want to stay with my friends?

A lot of people stay with their friends and they can be a fantastic form of support. If you are still frightened of your partner visiting your friends address you can get advice from a solicitor about keeping him away by getting an injunction.

It's still good to get some proper advice from a domestic violence specialist and there may also be a domestic violence outreach worker covering your area. If there is do outreach worker in your area you can get help from Victim Support.

Remember whatever you do, you need to make yourself as safe as possible.

How can I make my partner leave?

In certain circumstances it may be appropriate for the Civil Court in Oxford to consider ordering your violent partner to leave the family home.  This is called an occupation order.  You can find out more information from a local solicitor or from Rights of Women.