Violent Crime

Domestic abuse has often been referred to as domestic violence however abuse can come in many different forms and a person does not necessarily have to be physically injured to be a victim. Domestic abuse is defined as: -

"Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender".

It is estimated that an incident of domestic violence occurs every 6-20 seconds in the UK and that one in three women and one in six men in England and Wales are victims of domestic violence. Considering it is so commonplace, it is surprising that domestic abuse is still steeped in secrecy and shame and many victims suffer in silence and cope alone for years. As men can also experience violence and abuse at home and in their relationships the same advice and services apply to them as well: -

• Domestic violence is a crime.
• Domestic abuse doesn't have to happen every day to dominate your life.
• Power lies at the source of domestic violence as it's all about controlling & dominating the person being abused - never ignore the first slap or shove as it could escalate.
• It is not your fault and you do not deserve it - you (and your children) have the right to live free from fear and harm regardless of your race, age, gender, background or religion and whether you are married or living with a partner.

Types of Domestic Abuse

• Physical - being hit.
• Sexual - rape or degrading treatment.
• Financial - having money withheld or being forbidden from getting a job.
• Social - not being allowed to see friends and family or go out.
• Psychological - constantly telling someone they are worthless and so reducing their self esteem and confidence.
• Emotional - telling a person their children will be taken from them if they leave.

These are just some examples of the forms that domestic abuse can take. Abuse can also take other forms and no two people's experiences of domestic abuse will be the same. 

What you can do

• If you are experiencing domestic abuse you may feel like you have nowhere to go and no-one to turn to. This is not true as there are a lot of organisations that can help you.
• You may decide to report the offender to the Police and try to have them kept away from you, your children or home.
• You may decide to leave the house and go to a friend or relative or to a refuge or hostel.
• Store vital documents such as passports, birth certificates & bank details elsewhere such as at a friends or relatives house. If you decide to leave try to take them with you.
• Make phone calls from a phone box or friends house.
• Report all injuries to your GP so there is record of abuse. Training has been given to staff and doctors at Northampton GP surgeries on domestic abuse and how they can help.
• Confide in someone if you feel able to do so.
• Talk to a solicitor about your legal rights.

Northampton Sanctuary Scheme

The Northampton Sanctuary Scheme was introduced by Northampton Borough Council on 20th February 2007 and was set up by working in partnership with Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, The Sunflower Centre, Northampton Women's Aid, Care & Repair Northampton, Victim Support, the Northampton Bangladeshi Association, Nene Valley Christian Centre, Northamptonshire County Council and the Northampton Community Safety Partnership.

This Scheme provides the opportunity for victims of domestic abuse to stay in their own homes by improving security with professionally installed security measures. 

The Sanctuary Scheme is an option for all victims of domestic abuse living in Northampton, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation or family circumstances.  It is available to those living in all forms of housing in the town, whether you are a council or housing association tenant, own your own home or are living in private rented housing and includes any person who is threatened with homelessness due to domestic violence.

Following referral, access to the scheme is through a risk assessment of the client's circumstances to determine whether it is safe for victims to remain in their home with the additional security measures.  Every person's situation is different, so every 'sanctuary' created is different, with each one tailored to meet the needs of the individual person and property. 

For additional information on this scheme please click here.

Further Information: -

Domestic Abuse Directory

• The National Domestic Violence freephone helpline on 0808 2000 247 for confidential advice.
• Women's Aid - 24 hour advice, information and emergency access to safe refuge accommodation for women and their children who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence. Floating support schemes for aftercare support and for those women who do not need refuge accommodation and can be supported in their own homes. Counselling service also provided. Phone: 01604 639099, Email: mailto:info@northamptonwomensaid.org.uk/ or visit www.northamptonwomensaid.org.uk
• Sunflower Centre - a multi-agency support centre in Northampton for victims of domestic abuse. Supported by Northampton Borough Council. Phone: 01604 233684,
• Refuge - Visit www.refuge.org.uk
• CAN (Drug and Alcohol Team) - Confidential, free counselling, advice and information on drugs and alcohol with a specialist team of workers addressing domestic abuse. Appointments or telephone contact. Phone: 01604 627027
• Citizens Advice Bureau - Free, confidential and impartial advice and information available on a wide range of issues including: benefits, housing, relationships, money advice, employment, consumer, immigration, health, tax and legal matters. Phone: 01604 636000, Address: 72a St Giles Street, Northampton.
• Countrywide Health Visitors for Travellers - Provides support, healthcare and practical help for travellers on legal sites, sides of the road or housed. Phone: 01604 666513 or Mobile: 07802 974738
• Dostiyo - A voluntary organisation run by and for Asian women and girls providing a friendly and supportive confidential facility. Phone: 01604 745340, Address: 62-66 Dunster Street, Northampton.
• Victim Support Northamptonshire - Offer emotional and practical help to anyone being hurt by domestic violence or abuse. Support at court can also be arranged via their Witness Service. Their service is free and confidential. Phone: 01604 603477, Email: victimsupport.Northamptonshire@virgin.net, Address: Angel Street, Northampton, NN1 1ED
• Relate - Relationship counselling service for heterosexual or gay couples, individuals (adults, young people and children), people in a relationship or going through separation/divorce.  Phone: 01604 634400, Email: infoatrelatenorthants.org.uk, Address: 76 St Giles Street, Northampton, NN1 1JW or visit: www.relatenorthants.org.uk
• Nene Valley Christian Family Refuge - Offering caring support to women and children escaping domestic abuse. Deliver a 24-hour on call service, emergency accommodation, advice and crisis help and group work to help break free from abusive relationships. Aftercare and resettlement support is available on leaving the refuge. Phone: 01604 230311, Address: P.O. Box 76, Northampton NN1 5RL
• Northamptonshire Rape & Incest Crisis Centre - Offers confidential non-judgemental support for women and children who have been sexually abused. The centre also provides support for non-abusing family members. Phone: 01604 250721
• NSPCC (Northamptonshire Orchard House Project) - Offers advice and undertakes comprehensive assessments and therapeutic work throughout the County with children and parents where abuse has occurred. Also offers free group work to mothers and children who have witnessed domestic abuse. Phone: 01933 223920, Address: Orchard House, Gold Street, Wellingborough, Northants
• Home-Start Northampton - Voluntary organisation that offers regular support, friendship and practical help to young families under stress in their own homes on issues such as post-natal illness, disability, bereavement, the illness of a parent or child, social inclusion etc. in order to help prevent family crisis and breakdown. Phone: 01604 627692, Email: homestart@tiscali.co.uk, Address: 26 Cloutsham Street, Northampton, NN1 3LN
• Northamptonshire Police - All police officers can help but there are also specially trained Domestic Violence Officers to help and advise you and put you in touch with other helping services. In an emergency always use "999". For non-emergency either contact 08453 700 700 or call the Domestic Incident office on 01604 703666

• On Track is a project that works to support families with children 0-19 who are experiencing difficulty with relationships and/or communication. Staff use an intervention called Video Interaction Guidance that utilises video and feedback. This work can be helpful when families have had difficulty in the past, but are now safe. Address 1 Brownlow Court, Lumbertubs, Northampton NN3 8HE Telephone 01604 774900 Email:  ontrack@northamptonshire.gov.uk

• Connexions - A support service for everyone aged from 13 to 19 years. For some people with extra needs they can help until you are 25. Connexions can help you with decisions you may have to make and offers help and support on all issues that affect young people. Phone: 0800 7313219, Email: samnorthampton@4uyou2.org.uk, Address: 75 Abington Street, Northampton NN1 2BH or visit www.4you2.org.uk  

• Accident and Emergency Department - Staff in the accident and emergency department have been given training on dealing with domestic abuse. They can provide information and support if you attend the hospital after experiencing domestic abuse or for any other reason. Address: Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville, Northampton. Phone: 01604 634700
• Health Visitors - Most health visitors can be contacted via your local doctor's surgery. Also the Sunflower Centre has a health visitor working in the Support Team providing a service specifically aimed at domestic incident victims - call 01604 233684 to speak to their health visitor regards domestic abuse.
• Samaritans - Offer emotional support to anyone feeling depressed, suicidal and despairing. Phone: 08457 909090, Email: jo@samaritans.org, Address: 2 St Michaels Avenue, Northampton or visit www.samaritans.org.uk
• Maple Access Practice, Asylum seekers and refuges - Enables the homeless and travellers in Northampton to have better access to quality health care.  Phone: 01604 250925
• Social Care & Health - Northampton Assessment Team has a legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in their area.  Intial referrals can be made to a Duty Social Worker by any member of the public or any professional who may need advice about difficulties within a family or who has concerns about a child.  Phone: 01604 411911 
• On Track - A research project based on the Eastern district of Northampton.  The project supports families whose 4-12 year old children may be at risk of future problem behaviour.  Address: 1 Brownlow Court, Lumbertubs, Northampton, NN10 8DL Phone: 01604 774900 Email: enquiries@northamptoneastontrack.com
• Welfare Rights Advice Service - a non-profit organisation who's aim is to provide impartial advice, representation and advocacy in the fields of welfare rights, debt, immigration, nationality and asylum.  A free and confidential service is provided and they are able to do home visits where it is unreasonable to attend the office as well as provide advice at surgeries, which take place throughout the borough.  They do not provide advice to the Benefits agency or Home Office.  Address: 3-7 Hazelwood Road, Northampton NN1 1LG Phone: 01604 621038
• Solicitors - the following solicitor firms all contribute to the domestic abuse rota and are able to advise in relation to Family Law matters:
  • Franklins - Phone: 01604 828282
  • Toller Hales & Collcutt - Phone: 01604 258558
  • Frank Jones and Harley - Phone: 01604 631966
  • Dennis Faulkner & Alsop - Phone: 01604 620161
  • Woodford Robinson - Phone: 01604 624926
  • Borneo Martell Hughes - Phone: 01604 624822

   

Last Reviewed: 16/02/2009