Domestic violence
Domestic violence is a crime
Domestic violence is any violence or threat of violence that takes place in or outside the home between family and household members or partners in existing or previous relationships.
It can be physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can occur to anyone irrespective of gender, age, ethnicity, social status, religion and disability.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you may feel unable to ask for help or take control of the situation.
Domestic violence occurs in all social classes, gender, cultures, age groups, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) relationships. Men too can be victims of domestic violence.
Support, information and advice is available for anyone thinking about leaving a situation of domestic abuse or contacting the police.
Report It
Report It provides free confidential legal advice and support to anyone living or working in Waltham Forest who has been a victim of hate crime or domestic violence.
Report It can:
- Provide confidential, professional advice
- Help report crime to the police
- Provide free legal advice
- Assist in seeking court orders
- Help make your home safer
- Provide housing advice and advocacy
- Refer to counselling and other support services
- Liaise with the Council or your housing provider
It is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm and is based at 702 High Road, Leyton, E10 6JP. Tel 020 8558 6228.
Email: support@reportit.me.uk or visit Report It
Specialist advice and support agencies
Support, information and advice is available for anyone thinking about leaving a situation of domestic abuse or contacting the police. Help is available from these specialist agencies if you are a victim, a concerned friend or relative, you can speak with someone in confidence.
Advice and support services
- Victim Support Waltham Forest: 020 8988 8690
- Kiran (families with children): 020 8558 1986
- Haven Waltham Forest (sexual abuse): 020 8539 4157
- Ashiana Network (single and young people and those fleeing forced marriage): 020 8539 0427
- Honour Network (helpline for forced marriage): 0800 599 9247
- Stay Safe: 0800 0234 127 Text phone: 07587 134 122
- Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151
- 24 hour national Domestic Violence helpline: 0808 200 0247
- Police Sapphire Unit (sexual abuse): 020 8345 3274/3276
LGB&T and Same sex abuse support
- Broken Rainbow: Helpline service for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence. Broken Rainbow's helpline number is: 0300 999 LGB& T (5428). (All 0300 calls are the same price to ring as 01/02 landlines and included as part of any inclusive call minutes). Opening hours for the helpline are: Monday 2pm-8pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm, Thursday 2pm-8pm.
www.brokenrainbow.org.uk/index.php - Galop, 020 7704 2040
- Police Community Safety Unit – to report all domestic violence call 020 8345 3042
In an emergency call 999.
Waltham Forest Sanctuary Scheme
This scheme has been developed for people in Waltham Forest who are affected by domestic violence. It is aimed at people who feel vulnerable or threatened by partners or ex-partners but want to stay in their homes by offering additional security and support.
More on the Sanctuary Scheme
Counselling services
Guidance and advice services for domestic violence, sexual violence and domestic violence substance misuse.
ELOP – East London Out Project
Counselling for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence
Tel 020 8509 3898
www.elop.org
Haven Waltham Forest
Counselling for men and women experiencing domestic violence and sexual violence
Tel 020 8539 4157
www.wfhaven.org.uk
Imece Newington Green
Counselling for Turkish speaking refugee and asylum seeking women
Tel 020 7354 1359
www.imece.org.uk
Qalb Centre
Counselling for men and women with substance misuse
Tel 020 8521 5223
www.theqalbcentre.co.uk
