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:

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

Wycombe Women's Aid

If you need 24 hour help

Bucks Domestic Abuse Services

Tel: 01296 437 777

Refuge

Bucks Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP)

BDAP provides a central hub of information for victims of domestic abuse, their families, and professionals across Buckinghamshire.

Visit: Bucks Domestic Abuse Partnership

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)

Support services for LGBQT+

SAASSBMK

Tel: 01296 392468

General enquiries: [email protected]

For support: [email protected]

Visit: SAASSBMK