Domestic Violence
Don't let the abusers get away with it
If you are experiencing domestic violence, don't suffer in silence.
For information, advice, support or emergency refuge accommodation, you can call the national 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (Language Line available for non-English speaking callers), or call 999 in an emergency.
Refuges are for women and children escaping violence, they provide support and a place of safety. They are run by women, for women and their locations are kept secret to offer maximum security and safety. If you need to find a refuge, phone the above number.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence 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 or sexuality.
It occurs across society, irrespective of race, gender, culture, nationality, faith, sexuality, disability, age, social or economic status, and education or health status.
It is mainly perpetrated by men against women, however the information provided here will be useful whether you are a woman or a man who has experienced domestic violence. Everyone has the same rights under the law.
Domestic violence is not usually physical violence alone, but a way of behaving which leaves the victim living in fear. It can include:
- Physical abuse - hitting, punching, slapping, biting, burning, kicking and pulling hair
- Emotional abuse - being verbally abused and humiliated, put down in front of others, isolated from family and friends, and constant ridicule or criticism
- Psychological abuse - threats to kill or harm you and your children, threatening to kill or harm family pets, threats of suicide
- Harassment - being watched, followed, pestered, making unwanted phonecalls and letters, making threats
- Sexual abuse - rape, indecent phonecalls, being forced to watch pornography, being spoken to in a degrading manner
- Financial abuse - being kept without money, having to account for expenditure, being forced to pay bills, having to hand over wages, benefits or pension payments
So how will I be protected?
If you are in a violent relationship, there are three steps you can take:
- Recognise that this is happening to you.
- Accept that you are not to blame.
- Seek help and support.
Your and your children's safety is the most important factor.
Barnet Children and Families service provides assessment and support to children and their families experiencing domestic violence. To make a referral:
- Tel: 020 8359 4066 or
- Email dutyfrontdesk@barnet.gov.uk
The Barnet Sanctuary Project is a victim-centred initiative which provides additional security measures for the homes of domestic violence survivors. The scheme aims to make it possible for victims to remain in their homes and feel safe, thereby preventing homelessness.
The scheme was launched in December 2003, since when a number of survivor families have benefitted and feedback has shown their fear of crime has been dramatically reduced. To contact the police CSU, call 020 8733 5159
What else is being done to tackle this issue?
We have an active multi-agency Domestic Violence Forum (DVF), which is signed up to the London Domestic Violence Strategy 
(PDF 529K) (external link). For more information on the DVF, call the Safer Communities Team on 020 8359 5622.
How can I find out more?
There is a resource pack (PDF: 440KB) available for professionals involved with tackling domestic violence. In addition, the DVF has also produced Domestic Violence is a Crime (PDF 70KB).
