Local help if you or a friend are experiencing domestic violence and abuse

In an emergency always dial 999

Refuges and Supported Accommodation

Refuges and supported accommodation provide confidential, safe, emergency housing for women aged 16 and above who need to leave their homes due to domestic violence and abuse. You will be given a support worker during your stay who can help you with a range of practical and emotional issues including safety planning, health, parenting, benefits and legal options. Your worker will also support you to find a property to move to when you leave the accommodation

You can contact and move into domestic violence and abuse accommodation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you do not feel safe staying in Coventry the workers can also help you find a safe place to stay somewhere else in the country.

The accommodation is provided by Coventry Haven, Valley House and Panahghar. Panahghar provides accommodation specifically for Black Asian Minority Ethnic and Refugee victims in an environment that is culturally sensitive. Religious and cultural needs are catered for and staff are able to speak many different languages.

The Staying Put Project

Tel 024 7626 6280 or 024 7658 4038/9 and ask to speak to a member of the Staying Put Team

The Staying Put Project is run by Valley House and supports women and men aged 16 and above who have experienced domestic violence and abuse and who have ended or plan to end the relationship and want to remain safely in their own homes or resettle in Coventry .

The project works in partnership with other specialist agencies to arrange for increased security to be installed in your home. You will also be given a support worker who can provide access to practical and emotional support and advice for you in relation to:

  • Safety planning
  • Housing options
  • Legal services
  • Benefits, budgeting and any outstanding debts
  • Awareness of the impact of domestic violence and abuse
  • Child care and specialist children’s services

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)

Tel: 024 7655 3243

The IDVA service is run by Refuge and supports women and men aged 16 and above who have experienced domestic violence and abuse and who are accessing the criminal justice system.

The IDVAs can help you liaise with the Police, Witness Care, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other agencies. They can support you if you have to attend court and will discuss any concerns or fears you may have. They will give you information about your options and help to keep you safe.

Throughout your court case the IDVAs will make sure that you are kept fully informed and updated with any progress. They can also help with related matters such as injunctions occupation orders and information about housing law immigration law and child contact orders.

The Key Project

Tel: 0800 055 6519 24 hours a day, or visit the website – http://www.safehouse.org.uk/

The Key Project provides support to Black Asian Minority Ethnic and Refugee women children and men who are living in the community and experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The project is run by Panahghar who recognise that victims and survivors from Black, Asian and minority communities face additional obstacles, barriers and pressures which can make the effects of domestic violence and abuse more difficult to cope with. You will be given a support worker who will have an understanding of your social, cultural and familial dynamics and can help you with a range of practical and emotional issues.

You will be supported to make your own choices and can be supported by the project whether or not you decide to leave the relationship/your family.

Coventry Haven – The Listening Post

22 Marlborough Road , Coventry .

Telephone: 02476 444077 Email: coventryhaven@btconnect.com

Website: www.coventryhaven.co.uk

Coventry Haven is a “by women, for women” organisation, fully affiliated to Women’s Aid. All our staff are female, and you will be able to speak to us without fear of being judged. We will help you and support you in making your own choices without pressure. This is a free and confidential service.

Coventry Haven provides a range of outreach and support services including:

  • Face to Face Support – emotional support and a listening ear. You can make an appointment to come and see us even if you are still in an abusive relationship. You do not have to leave or break up to get our help.
  • Counselling Service – if you think that you might need counselling to help you come to terms with your experience of domestic violence and abuse, your support worker can refer you to our counsellors
  • Legal Advice – a qualified family law solicitor is available once a week to give free initial legal advice on matters relating to family law and domestic violence and abuse including divorce, child contact and protective orders. The solicitor can then take your case forward.
  • Visual Evidence for Victims (VEV) – If you have been assaulted but do not want to tell the police, we can keep a photographic record of any injuries for you, in case you ever need evidence of the abuse you have experienced.
  • Groups and coffee mornings - We regularly set up informal groups in different areas of Coventry , for women who have used our services and who want to meet new people, build up confidence and find new friends and interests.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)

Tel: 02476 277772 or email: isva@crasac.org.uk

The ISVA service is provided by Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC.) Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) support women, men and children over the age of 11 years who have experienced sexual violence and who are accessing the criminal justice system or want support to access other organisations.

The ISVA is trained to look after your needs, and to ensure that you receive care and understanding. They will help you understand how the criminal justice process works, and will explain things to you, such as what will happen if you report to the police, and the importance of forensic DNA retrieval. An ISVA is there to provide information only, and you are not expected to report any offence to the police.

Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC)

Helpline 024 7627 7777 Mon – Fri 10am – 2pm, Mon and Thur 6pm – 8pm

CRASAC provides a confidential female only support, counselling and helpline service run by women for women and girls aged 11 years or over who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any time in their life. The services are free and confidential.

The counsellors are all women from diverse backgrounds and are qualified to at least Diploma level. All of the volunteers have completed an NOCN accredited training programme in the area of rape and sexual abuse which is run by CRASAC.

Relate Coventry

Tel: 024 7622 5863 or email info@relatecoventry.org

Relate Coventry provide a number of different services for women and children who are or have been living in an abusive relationship.Women can access individual support, safety advice, life skills workshops, relationship counselling and information on The Bridge the male perpetrator programme.

Relate Coventry also provide support to children through the Time for You service and The Bridge a male perpetrator programme.

Relate will not provide couple counselling where there is current domestic violence and abuse

West Midlands Police – Domestic Abuse Officers

Tel 0845 113 5000 and ask to speak to a Coventry Domestic Abuse Officer

West Midlands Police have domestic abuse officers who can help you with domestic violence and abuse. They believe that domestic violence and abuse is a serious crime.

The priorities of the police service in responding to domestic violence and abuse are:

  • To protect the lives of both adults and children who are at risk as a result of domestic violence and abuse
  • To investigate all reports of domestic violence and abuse
  • To facilitate effective action against offenders so that they can be held accountable through the criminal justice system whilst ensuring that the victim and their children are safeguarded
  • To adopt a proactive multi-agency approach in preventing and reducing domestic violence.

If you are in immediate danger call 999