I am suffering Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse does not necessarily mean just physical attacks. It can also be emotional, sexual or mental abuse from someone you have (or have had) a close or intimate relationship with.

If you are experiencing, or have been threatened with any of the above, there are several places you can turn to for help, including the Council.

The Housing Options Service can advise and help you if you feel you cannot stay in your home, or you just want to find out about your housing options. We can help you (and your children if you have any) find somewhere to stay at any time of the day or night if it is not safe for you to remain in your home.

We can also advise you about your legal rights, such as Court Orders to stop the other person approaching or abusing you, or to enable you to stay in your home.

You may have rights to stay in the property, even if it is not owned or rented in your name, especially if you are married or have children together.

You should seek legal advice as soon as possible. The link below will help you locate a legal firm who may be able to help.

Find a legal firm - click here

Our advice would be not to leave unless you or your children are at risk until you have taken advice.

Sanctuary Scheme

Braintree District Council may be able to offer a Sanctuary Scheme to someone who has a  violent partner who no longer lives within the home. 

This is to provide in certain circumstances security measures to allow someone to remain in their own home should they wish to do so.  It would also be subject to the accommodation lending itself to these security measures. 

This is available to people in all types of tenure across the district with the Landlords permission. Funding restrictions may apply.

We would also require supplementary support from the police

If you feel it is not safe for you to remain in your home you should contact the Council without delay.

We will find you somewhere to stay if you need it, and will look to help you resolve your situation, whether by taking legal action or moving away to new accommodation. We will look into your circumstances, but we will not contact anyone without your permission, and all information is strictly confidential.

Refuges - There are several refuges in Essex, and many more across the country, which offer safe places to stay if you need to escape violence. Refuges provide a space where you can have a break and make decisions without fear.  If you come to Braintree Council’s Housing OptionsTeam and need somewhere to stay we will try to find you a space at a refuge as they provide a safe and supportive environment, and their locations are kept secret. You can also approach the refuges direct, and a list of refuges and other organisations who can help are at the end of this section.

Police – If you are experiencing an emergency where you or someone you are with is under immediate threat you should call 999.

Essex Police also have a specialist Domestic Abuse Unit who can offer professional and sympathetic advice and help. They can be contacted on 0300 333 4444 or visit Essex Police

Honour-based Violence
Essex Police also have an understanding of honour-based violence, supported by a specialist officer based in Chelmsford.

For confidential advice and assistance to those who have been forced into marriage overseas of those at risk of being forced into marriage:
www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage
0207 008 0151 (09:00 to 17:00)
0207 008 1500 (out of hours emergencies)

Helps male and female survivors of forced marriage and honour based violence:
www.karmanirvana.org.uk
01332 604098 or 0800 5999 247