Domestic Abuse
Southern Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS)
If you have to leave your home in an emergency
Taking your children with you if you go to a refuge
What you should try and take with you
The help available if you want to remain in your home
How the Housing Options Team can help
Services available specifically for Men
Getting Help
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can. Then follow the instructions depending on whether you are calling from a mobile or a landline.
If only background noise can be heard and operators cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, then you will be connected to a police callhandler. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again.
When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.
If you are deaf or can't verbally communicate
You can register with the emergency SMS service. Text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you want to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.
Southern Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS)
The Council works with Southern Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) who provide services, including refuge accomodation in the Fareham Area.
The Stop Domestic Abuse Adviceline can be accessed at any time. Call 033 0016 5112 and follow the answerphone instructions.
For more information visit the Stop Domestic Abuse website 
.
You can find out in more detail how the Council can help support victims and survivors of domestic abuse in our Domestic Abuse Policy 
(275 KB) or our Domestic Abuse Policy Easy Read (239 KB).
Domestic abuse definition
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or who have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is: an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim
Domestic abuse occurs across all ages, races, and classes, regardless of education, income, or mental ability. It happens between people in same sex relationships and can also be carried out by women against men. It is important to acknowledge that all forms of domestic abuse can have damaging and lasting effects on the victims and other members of the family.
Domestic abuse can be in many different forms. For example, it could include:
- Constantly being put down, belittled or harassed.
- Controlling behaviour such as, not being allowed to leave the home without permission or unaccompanied.
- Being made to feel inferior, worthless or even crazy.
- Being threatened with violence of physically assaulted.
If you have to leave your home in an emergency
If you leave home because you are at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse, it is important to make sure you are safe wherever you go. If you decide to stay with friends or relatives make sure you are safe from the perpetrator and seek advice as soon as possible.
If you are not able to find somewhere safe a refuge may be the most appropriate place stay. Please contact the Stop Domestic Abuse Adviceline on 033 0016 5112 and follow the answerphone instructions.
A refuge is a place to stay that offers safe and secure accommodation to people who have experienced domestic violence or abuse. There will usually be staff who are there to help you deal with your situation and support you in the decisions you make.
Taking your children with you if you go to a refuge
Normally you can take your children with you when you go to a refuge, but some refuges cannot take families that include teenage boys. If this is the case, other housing options can be explored.
What you should try and take with you
If you leave home in an emergency it may not be possible for you to take your belongings with you. Sometimes it is safer just to leave the property, these things can be sorted out later - the main thing is that you are safe.
If you do get the chance or if you are making a planned departure here are some of the things to try and take with you:
- Clothes
- Prescribed medication
- Toiletries
- Passports/birth certificates
- Benefit books, or letters about you benefits
- Confirmation of your national insurance number
- Bank account details
- Children's toys
- A photograph of your partner
- Details of your solicitor
The help available if you want to remain in your home
Your rights to remain in your home in the long term will depend on a number of factors. If you are able to do so, various options may be available to help make your accommodation a safe and suitable place to be. Measures can include:
- Security measures to your home
- Making sure Police are aware
- Alarms/mobile phones for your safety
- Legal advice and assistance - to try and stop behaviour, or to remove your partner
Obtaining legal advice
You will need legal advice if you want to take out an injunction, or take other legal action. A solicitor can tell you if you can get legal aid to help pay for the action you wish to take. For help to find a solicitor contact the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Legal Advice Service or The Law Society.
How the Housing Options Team can help
As a housing advice service, Fareham Borough Council's Housing Options Team can help you to link in with services that offer appropriate help and guidance to help you deal with your situation.
If you are homeless as a result of having had to flee violence or abuse we can help you to secure safe accommodation to give you the time to work through your issues and think about what you wish to do in the longer term. We can explore your housing options with you, and provide the advice and assistance needed to help you to find suitable solution to your housing needs.
The Housing Options Team at Fareham Borough Council can be reached on 01329 236100.
Services available specifically for Men
SDAS can provide support and advice to men who have experienced domestic abuse (see contact details above). The services listed below are also useful points of contact.
Respect - the Men's Advice Line
This is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence from a current or ex-partner (or other family members). The advice line offers emotional support, practical advice and information on a wide range of services for further help and support.
The Mankind Initiative
www.mankind.org.uk Tel: 0808 800 1170
This services provides emotional support, information, advice, details of solicitors, legal rights, and accommodation at a refuge.
Other useful contacts:
These are just a few of the services available. A more comprehensive list is available in our Domestic Abuse Policy. (275 KB)
The Hampton Trust
Provide a range of services and training aimed at helping victims & perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse.
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Tel: 0800 970 2070, text: NCDV to 60777 or email office@ncdv.org.uk.
Can provide a fast and free emergency service for injunctions in cases of domestic abuse
Fareham Citizens Advice Bureau