Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious problem that can ruin people’s self esteem, and put them in physical danger. Whilst everyone knows that domestic violence is often perpetrated in the form of violence by male partners against female partners, it can take other forms:

• It may be from a former partner/spouse
• It may come from another member of the household such as a sibling or child
• It may take place within same sex relationships
• It can be sexual, emotional or financial – it needn’t be physical

KHT recognise all these forms of domestic violence, and will do whatever we can to help victims. We attend the Knowsley MARAC forum – Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference, where different partner agencies such as police, social services and specialist domestic violence services come together to discuss how best to assist sufferers and their families.

If our customers report domestic violence to us, we are committed to taking a victim centred approach, accepting their account of the situation and giving consideration as to what they want to do when determining the appropriate course of action.

Wherever possible KHT will endeavour to ensure that we assist those
threatened with or suffering violence by providing them with secure
accommodation free from the threat or fear of violence. Where KHT is not
able to offer such assistance we will provide advice to the victims of violence
on alternative sources of accommodation and support including assistance
from voluntary organisations, the Merseyside Police Sigma Unit
and Knowsley’s Homeless Prevention Team.

We can help victims in a variety of ways:

• “Target hardening” properties by the provision of, for example CCTV, security lighting, fireproof letterboxes, bomb blast glass, alarms.
• Injuncting violent partners to stay away
• Possibly evicting violent partners from the tenancy depending on the circumstances
• Providing advice and support on alternative accommodation
• Referring both victims and perpetrators to support services.

If you are experiencing domestic violence please don’t suffer in silence, but take advantage of the help that is available. Contact your Housing Officer for more details, or try one of these useful numbers or websites:

Knowsley Domestic Violence Support Services 0151 5483333
www.kdvss.org.uk  

Worst kept Secret 0800 028 3398
www.worstkeptsecret.co.uk  

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre for Women on Merseyside 0151 6661392

24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247

Liverpool Women’s and Children’s Aid Refuge 0151 727 1355

Knowsley Hate Incident and Domestic Violence help Line 0800 953 4433

Women’s Aid 0117 944 4411
www.womensaid.org.uk  

Men’s Aid 0871 223 9986
www.mensaid.com  

Broken Rainbow Helpline 0845 260 4460
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk  
(Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic abuse)

Amadudu Refuge 0151 734 0083
(Refuge for primarily black women experiencing domestic violence)