Christmas isn’t so merry for victims of domestic abuse

This is due to a dangerous combination of coercive and controlling behaviour, alcohol, stress, money worries, and an enforced ‘holiday’ period with the whole family at home.

Even though schools, workplaces, GP surgeries and other ‘safe places’ will be closed for the holidays, you can always access support at any time by calling the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger always dial 999.

The PIPPA Helpline on 023 8091 7917 is available Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Plus, we are also here to help. Several members of our housing team have received special training as Domestic Abuse Champions to help identify and access support for those affected. Contact your Local Housing Office and a member of the team will contact you within 24 hours. We will try to arrange a meeting at a venue that suits you, and with a colleague of the same gender, if requested.

If you are living in a dangerous situation at home, we can help in various ways such as:

• Arranging emergency accommodation
• Paying for victims to travel to out-of-area refuges
• Providing furniture to people who have had to flee their homes and leave behind possessions
• Regularly checking in with victims to ensure they are safe
• Installing home security improvements

As a council we have recently be re-accredited by the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) for the ways that we work to improve the quality of service and provide support for council tenants who are affected by controlling, coercive, threatening and violent behaviour in the home. We are committed to tackling domestic abuse in Southampton and DAHA awarded us the re-accreditation after looking at our policies, checking casework and interviewing staff.

How to report domestic abuse

If you’re worried about domestic abuse:

• In an emergency always dial 999
• Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24/7)
• Email or call PIPPA on 023 8091 7917 (lines are open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm)
• Contact your Local Housing Office in complete confidence