Domestic abuse is everyone’s business
Training and development opportunities are available to professionals who work in statutory or voluntary organisations, including faith and community groups in Bexley Borough.
Click here to view course details of upcoming domestic abuse training sessions in Bexley
We need you… Domestic Abuse Champions!
Research tells us that domestic abuse victims can go to as many as five agencies before they find appropriate help, advice and support.
By having domestic abuse champions in many agencies, the aim is to dramatically reduce this number and provide a more joined-up approach. In order to work effectively with victims and to ensure their safety, professionals need to have a common understanding of the issues and have the ability to coordinate their efforts and work more efficiently. We need to disseminate a good understanding of domestic abuse among professionals in all agencies in a way that ensures that the information is of good quality and up to date.
Issue 7 DA Champions network newsletter Autumn 2021
Bexley Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)
A MARAC is a regular local meeting to discuss how to help victims at high risk of serious harm. MARAC brings together representatives from a number of agencies in Bexley to discuss the safety, health and well-being of people experiencing domestic abuse (and their children).
All professionals should have access to a nominated domestic abuse lead who is trained in completing a domestic abuse stalking, harassment and honour-based violence risk identification checklist (DASH).
Email: MARAC@bexley.gov.uk with any enquiries >
MARAC resources and guidance >
Bexley One Stop Shop
Bexley’s Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop offers free advice, information and support from a range of agencies under one roof to help those experiencing domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can affect anyone and therefore, if you are a man or a woman and would like to discuss your issues, you are welcome to attend. No appointment is required just turn up.
The Bexley One Stop Shop is open every Wednesday 12.30pm to 3pm at Central Library Bexleyheath, Townley Road, DA6 7HJ.
For further information please download the Bexley One Stop Shop Poster.PDF
Solace Women’s Aid
In April 2019 Solace Women’s Aid was appointed by the London Borough of Bexley to provide vital domestic abuse services in the borough.
Solace offers free advice and support to women, children and men in London to build safe and strong lives. Futures free from abuse and violence.
Their community service will deliver a specialist domestic abuse service that provides a One-Stop Shop IDVA service for high-risk cases, an outreach service for media risk cases and resilience-building group programmes. Their aim is that all women, children and men affected by abuse are given the specialist support needed to build safer lives and stronger futures.
To make a referral on behalf of individuals>
Individuals can self-refer by calling 0203 1984 659 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (excluding Bank Holidays).
Solace Women’s Aid leaflet / poster (PDF) download
Solace Women’s Aid poster 2020 (PDF) download
Domestic abuse guidance for contact staff and community volunteers (PDF) download
Bexley and SWA Domestic Abuse A4 Poster PDF Download
If you would like further publicity materials please email Solace.
Pan-London Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline
Respect, Refuge, Rape Crisis South London and the Women and Girls Network are a group of four experienced partners, committed to providing support for Londoners who are dealing with domestic and sexual violence. The helpline offers free, confidential, and accessible services to our callers.
Pan-London Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline
Respect – Men’s advice line:
Men’s Advice Line is for men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, and for those supporting them
Tel: 0808 8010327
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
The 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge:
Practical and emotional support, 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Tel: 0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Rape Crisis South London:
24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line
Tel: 0808 500 2222
https://www.rasasc.org.uk/
Women & Girls Network
We are a free service run by women, for women in London who have been affected by all forms of violence and abuse.
Tel: 0808 801 0660
https://www.wgn.org.uk/
IKWRO
IKWRO – Women’s Rights Organisation is delivering a new project for Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) women and girls in Bexley who have faced domestic abuse. The project aims to provide specialist support to women who have experienced violence against women and girls (VAWG) by raising awareness amongst the community by providing workshops, training sessions and one to one specialist support. The project is being delivered in partnership with Solace Women’s Aid.
For further information please contact:
Tel: +44 0207 920 6460 E-mail: simin.jahan@ikwro.org.uk
Respect – new self-service Information Hub for male victims
Respect’s Men’s Advice Line has launched a new self-service portal, providing contact details for local domestic abuse support services, male victim refuges and specialist services offering help with everything from mental health to immigration.
Funded by the Home Office and accessible 24 hours a day, the Information Hub adds to the suite of support already provided by the Men’s Advice Line, which includes phone, webchat, and email support, as well as practical support like the Rail to Refuge Scheme, which supports victims to flee abusive relationships into refuge.
For further information and to access support please visit: Respect self-service Information Hub for male victims
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) – often referred to as “Clare’s Law” after the tragic case of Clare Wood who was murdered by her former partner in Greater Manchester in 2009. The scheme was rolled out across all 43 police forces in England and Wales in March 2014. Clare’s Law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. Under Clare’s Law, a member of the public can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.
How to request domestic abuse offender data >
Metropolitan Police Service leaflet for applicants >
Stalking Protection Order (SPO)
The Stalking Protection Act 2019 received Royal Assent on 15 March 2019. The Act introduces a new Stalking Protection Order (SPO) which can be applied for by police:
Stalking Protection Order Information (PDF) download
No Recourse Fund –
Support for migrant victims of domestic abuse with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)
Southall Black Sisters and our partners across the UK have been awarded funds to operate the
Support for Migrant Victims Scheme (SMV), a one-year project to provide temporary support to
migrant survivors of abuse and to build a better understanding of their needs.
This scheme is now open for referrals. It will provide support to up to 500 migrant victims of
domestic and other forms of gender-related abuse who are subject to the No Recourse to Public
Funds (NRPF) Rule.
Priority will be given to those survivors who do not currently have an established route to
settlement although in some exceptional circumstances bridging support will be available to those
who are otherwise eligible for the DDVC concession, asylum support, local authority or other state
assistance.
For more information and details about referral routes please download the No Recourse Leaflet.PDF
UK Government launches “ASK FOR ANI!” Campaign
The government has announced a campaign for domestic abuse called ANI, whereby all pharmacies are being asked to provide posters and a safe space for victims of DA. Pharmacies and shops are the only few places survivors are able to go to alone, they are therefore being asked to;
1. Put up posters in the pharmacy where they can be clearly seen by customers. (electronic version is attached)
2. Provide a small room, ideally with a telephone, where survivors can call DA services safely.
Posters and further information can be downloaded here:
AskForAni_Instore_Poster_Safe_Spaces_A4 PDF
Training_information_-_Ask_for_ANI PDF
MPS Bexley Domestic Abuse Poster A4 PDF
The DRIVE / Respect Phoneline
The DRIVE / Respect Phoneline webchat is available Mon, Wed & Thur 10 – 12 and 2 – 4 to offer support to any professionals working with perpetrators of domestic abuse. Users of this service will be connected to a DRIVE Practise Advisor who can discuss whether there are any additional support measures or disruption actions that can be considered in their particular case.
To access the webchat go to:
https://respectphoneline.org.uk/frontline-workers/
or
If you need this service outside of these times, please email info@driveproject.org.uk
