I am fleeing domestic abuse
Pages in I am fleeing domestic abuse
- 1. I am fleeing domestic abuse
- 2. You are here: Help and options available
2. Help and options available
You have the option to remain in your home or leave your home if you feel this is right for you.
Whether you choose to remain in your home or leave; please be assured that there is support out there for you.
When researching your options, be sure to cover your browsing history and keep yourself safe online. Further advice for online safety is available on the Women's Aid website.
Leaving your home
Many people who suffer from domestic abuse do not feel safe in their home or their community. If you feel you cannot remain in your home because it is unsafe, you have the option to leave and seek accommodation at a refuge.
Going to a refuge
- Refuges are safe houses for those fleeing domestic abuse. They will give appropriate advice and support to meet your needs. The location is strictly confidential, and the perpetrator will not know where you are. It is vital that you are placed in an area of safety and this means that you will be placed away from the area you are fleeing.
- Refuges also help with applying for benefits, legal assistance and sourcing more permanent accommodation.
- You do not have to approach the Council to be placed in a refuge. You can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline directly on 0808 2000 247 (Freephone) who can help you into a refuge.
Approaching other Councils
- If you are fleeing domestic abuse, the law allows you to approach any council for help; that council will have a duty to investigate your situation. All your information must remain confidential.
- A council cannot refer an applicant to another council if you or anyone who might reasonably be expected to reside with you would be at risk of domestic abuse or other violence.
Staying at home
It is not always necessary for you to leave your home if you are suffering from domestic abuse. There are various ways to remain safely in your current property.
Obtaining an injunction
- An injunction is a court order that prevents a perpetrator from threatening violence against you or your family. It will also prevent the perpetrator from harassing or intimidating you. It will lay out strict contact conditions that the perpetrator must abide by. If the perpetrator breaches this order, there is power of arrest.
- The Council can refer you (or you can self-refer) to specialist support and advice agencies. Please see a list of support services at the bottom of the page.
- These organisations can help you take legal action by obtaining injunctions to protect yourself in your property such as applying for an Occupation Order or a Non-Molestation Order
| Occupation Order | Non-Molestation Order |
|---|---|
| An Occupation Order is a court order instructing who is allowed to live in your home. It can also restrict the perpetrator from entering the home and surrounding area. | A Non-Molestation Order is a court order that prevents your partner or ex-partner from using threatening behaviour (violence / intimidation / harassment / pestering) towards you and your household. An order could prevent the perpetrator coming within a certain distance of you, your home address or even attending your place of work. |
The Sanctuary Scheme
- The Sanctuary Scheme is designed to help anyone experiencing domestic abuse to stay safely within their own homes. Through the Sanctuary Scheme, anyone who no longer lives with their partner can receive help to have security measures installed to their home that will make them and their household safer. This can include installing safety fences, personal alarms, extra door and window locks, purchasing mobile phones or credit or creating a safe room.
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The scheme is operated by Surrey Police in partnership with East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS) in partnership with Surrey Police, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.
East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS)
East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services (ESDAS) is an independent and inclusive charity for all survivors of domestic abuse. Their services are free and confidential. They will assist with safety planning, help for young people, legal options, counselling and support for educators and carers. East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services (ESDAS) website.
Contacts and further information
Please also read through our Community Safety pages on domestic abuse.