Housing advice for victims of domestic abuse
Definition of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is controlling or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people aged 16 or over. Children and young people are victims in their own right as a result of the DA Act 2021. If domestic abuse is happening to someone under the age of 16, it is child abuse.
Domestic abuse can be:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
Housing support
General advice
If you need general advice about accommodation, contact Buckinghamshire Council's Homelessness and Advice service during office hours:
Emergency help
If you are in an emergency situation, you can:
- speak to a Duty Homelessness Advisor at one of our Council Access Plus (CAP+) centres during office hours
- call the Homelessness and Advice team on 01296585168, they'll look at your situation and find the best way to support you.
- if it's outside office hours, call 0800 999 7677 for emergency housing assistance
- you can contact any local council for help with housing, if you need to leave your home to keep yourself and your family safe
If you're in danger, do not place yourself at risk. Call 999 right away.
Getting homelessness help
If you can't stay in your home, you can apply as homeless. We will:
- look at your situation and understand your needs
- work with you to stop you becoming homeless or help you find somewhere to live.
- create a personal housing plan that explains:
- what we can do to help
- what you can do, like contacting support services (especially if you're experiencing domestic abuse)
Emergency accommodation
You may be offered emergency housing while we assess your case. You’ll need to share details about your situation and may be asked for evidence (like dates of incidents).
If you're entitled to emergency housing, we’ll try to help you find a refuge accommodation, offering safety and support.
Leaving your home
Do not make a decision to give up your home permanently, until you have spoken to a Homelessness Advisor and considered all your options.
If you rent from a housing association, speak to your tenancy officer or advisor. They may help you relocate and avoid the need for you to move into temporary accommodation.
Try to take important items with you, such as:
- a change of clothes
- toiletries
- any medication you need to take regularly
- your passport
- bank and credit cards
- your mobile phone
Remaining in your home
If you choose to stay in your home, there are options available to reduce the risk to you:
- apply for non-molestation or occupation orders
- ask about the Sanctuary Scheme, which provides extra home security (if the abuser no longer lives with you). Specific security measures are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
For further information on applying for non-molestation orders or occupation orders or to discuss the Sanctuary Scheme, contact Wycombe Women's Aid on 01494 432 000 or [email protected].
Refuges for Women and Children
Women's refuges offer accommodation for any women and their children who are experiencing domestic abuse. This could be emotional or physical abuse from a partner, ex-partner or member of their family.
They are ordinary houses, shared by other women and their children. Women do not have to go to a refuge in their own area, and the address is kept secret to protect women from those they have fled.
Local authorities are required to provide accommodation-based support to victims of domestic abuse and their children in refuges and other safe accommodations.
These organisations can help you:
Aylesbury Women's Aid
Tel: 01296 436827
Visit: Aylesbury Women's Aid
Wycombe Women's Aid
Tel: 01494 432 000
Visit: Wycombe Women's Aid
If you need 24 hour help
Bucks Domestic Abuse Services
Tel: 01296 437 777
Refuge
Tel: 0808 2000 247
Bucks Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP)
BDAP provides a central hub of information for victims of domestic abuse, their families, and professionals across Buckinghamshire.
Support services for men
SAM Project
Support after Assault and Abuse for Men (SAM) offers free, confidential, and non-judgemental services for male-identifying survivors aged 16+ in Buckinghamshire, regardless of background or identity.
Tel: 01296 392478
Visit: SAM Project
Mankind Initiative
If you are a male victim of domestic abuse, the Mankind Initiative can listen, provide help and give you information on local support services.
Tel: 01823 334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)