After Domestic Violence

2009-04-05T20:55:00.002+01:00

Please note this page does not show all posts - in order to see everything you need to use the menu on the right hand side of this post or click older posts at the bottom of the page.

Work and Adult Education

2009-04-04T07:34:00.002+01:00

Once you have given yourself time to recover and settle into your new home you might want to consider working or maybe this could be the time to retrain or re-educate yourself in skills that could open a whole new set of doors.

If you are not sure where to begin, there’s lots of free, impartial advice from services like Careers Advice and learn direct and nextstep.
They will be able to tell you about your options and about any free money you could get to help pay towards your learning.
You can meet a trained adviser face-to-face, have a conversation over the phone or contact an adviser by email.

If you decide to improve your skills by going on a course, there are almost a million in the UK to choose from. So, you’re bound to find one that interests you and fits around your home commitments.

You can choose where and when you learn – you don’t have to sit in a classroom. For example, you may be able to get training at work. You can learn full or part time, for a few hours or for several years – whatever suits you best.

Get free, expert advice on your learning or career options by calling the Careers Advice Service - or by arranging for an adviser to call at a time that suits you.
All calls are completely free, whether to a land line or a mobile phone.

Careers Advice Service: 0800 100 900

Tips for helping you find a job

Sit down. Write out why you need this job - for money, for self esteem, to get out of the house.

Look at your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities.

Define a list of jobs you would like. This can be as fanciful as you like, remember this is the planning stage and nothing is impossible.

List your 10 best work attributes, think laterally, if you have been a home maker for 5 years that makes you a great organiser. If you have been in the same job for 10 years that makes you loyal and committed.

Look at your list of attributes and desired jobs and make real connections. Do you have the experience to get the kind of job you want? If you don't then maybe you need to consider retraining?

Take first steps. Look for jobs that fall within your areas of experience and interest.

Apply for a range of jobs. Even if they are not perfect they will provide you with good practice so you are ready when the perfect one for you comes along.

Try voluntary work for a time - it often leads to paid work and can build your confidence.

Don't get downhearted. If you aren't immediately successful keep going! Finding the right job takes time.

If you need more help and advice on finding a job contact your local jobcentre plus office

Help with Self Confidence & Body Image

2009-04-04T06:51:00.002+01:00

To help you to progress with your new life you need to feel self confident and believe in your worth.

Our body image is the picture and feelings that we have in our mind of our size, shape and appearance. It isn't always a reflection of what is real and can be positive or negative.

We are surrounded daily by images of what the 'perfect body' or appearance is and as soon as we start to compare we can become very self critical.
Unfortunately, a negative body image is often deep seated and can lead to a lack of self esteem and confidence.
However, you can make positive changes to start to improve your body image:

Think positively.
If you keep telling yourself you don't look good then you will start to think it. Replace those thoughts with positive ones about the bits of your body and self that you like.

Look after yourself.
A good diet, exercise and some pampering will go a long way in making you feel good. This will lead to a more positive outlook.

Treat yourself.
This could be anything from a new hairstyle; new clothes.

Ask your friends.
Let them tell you what they think about your body. They will probably tell you how great you look and how much they wish they had your legs, hair etc.

Take a compliment.
If someone says something nice about you then accept that it is true.

Remember that you have a personality.

Understand that you are much more than your physical appearance. We are more than the sum of our parts and just because we haven't got the firmest thighs doesn't make us a bad person.

If you would like professional help to address issues related to your body image you can seek further help from your GP

Physical Wellbeing

2009-04-04T06:42:00.003+01:00

Being alone after leaving an abusive relationship can be a time when we have the lowest levels of motivation and willpower, yet it is probably more important to look after our bodies at this point.
There is clear evidence that being physically fit and being happy with your weight contributes to generally higher energy levels and feelings of mental well-being.

So what can you do start getting healthy?

Use spare time in a productive way.
For example as exercise time. Look around your house and garden for fitness opportunities. Staircases make good step machines.

Get a map of your area.

This is a great way to really get to know where you live.
Try walking to places as much possible. Average walking takes about 20 minutes a mile, so work out how long you need to get there. Try a different walk every day and try walking faster everyday.
Check out cheap off-peak times.
Look for swimming or gym sessions. If you are on a single budget and are watching the pennies look in the local paper or on E-bay for cheap fitness equipment for sale.
Try using a bike instead of the car.

Consider getting a dog.
Dogs make good company and dog walking also provides exercise and an opportunity to meet new people.

Keep a close eye on your diet.
Simple things such as cooking for yourself and making soups and stews can keep you healthy and save money.
Avoid convenience foods and keep snacks out of the house.
It's much easier to avoid the temptation to slob in front of the television with a packet of biscuits if they aren't there.

Have a watershed point for alcohol.
For example only between 9pm and 10pm or only on weekends or alternate days.

Take up new hobbies.
Look at local notice boards, colleges, in shops and local papers. Be brave and start something new! It's a great way to meet new friends.

Try out complementary health therapies.
These treat the physical symptoms of stress, address addictive behaviour or offer general remedies that increase feelings of well being.
They include aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage, reiki, shiatsu and yoga.

The Hideout for children/young people

2009-04-04T05:49:00.002+01:00

Women's Aid have created a website for children and young people to help them to understand domestic abuse.
Its a very easy site to move around and in the young peoples section there is virtual refuge that young people can visit plus much more.

http://www.thehideout.org.uk

And now

2009-03-27T23:12:00.003Z

So there we are as much information as I can think of you help you and your family on the way to starting afresh. If I find more intresting and helpful information I will update this blog.

Please lean on the services they are there to help and support you through the good and bad times, the door shouldn’t just close because you have left a refuge, some refuges have outreach so it’s worth asking about.

Remember how far you have come just in taking the steps that lead you to this new start, be brave friend and stay safe. Xx

"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked.

"You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar."

Utilities suppliers

2009-03-27T23:09:00.000Z

Gas

The 'M Number Enquiry Line' (formerly Transco) provides gas consumers with a dedicated telephone number to establish who is the current registered gas supplier at their premises.
The M Number Enquiry Line number is 0870 608 1524

Electricity

Call your local electricity distribution company. You should ask for their Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) 0870 607 0459

The most important thing to remember is to take the meter readings as soon as you move in. If you have a camera handy use this to confirm your reading in case there is any dispute later. If it is in a locked box you will need to pop down to the local plumber’s merchants to buy a key, they are a standard fit.

Water

To find out who supplies your water call 0800 330033.

Telephone providers

BT 0800 800150
Virgin Media 0800 5610061

Health

2009-03-27T23:07:00.000Z

You can find a new GP and dentist by contacting your local Primary care trust You can find there number by looking in the yellow pages or by calling 118 118.

You can also search the yellow pages yourself for health centres & surgeries give them a call and see if they are taking on new patents’

Another good source for finding local health providers, along with general or emergency advice is NHS direct 0845 4647

Most area’s now have walk- in- centre’s for minor injury or health concerns

In emergency call 999 or go to your local A&E department.

Children

2009-03-27T23:01:00.002Z

Schools

It’s a good idea to start gathering information as soon as possible, so that you can plan visits to schools and make applications on time.

You may find it useful to:
contact your local authority for information about schools near you
ask yourself which of the schools would best meet your child's needs
visit schools
read individual school prospectuses, achievement and attainment data and Ofsted reports

Your local authority is a useful source of information. Each year, local authorities produce a prospectus booklet (known in most areas as the 'Information for Parents' booklet). Usually published in the summer, the booklet is available free to parents.
It will have details on a number of important areas, including:

the application process and deadlines
the number of pupils at each school
how places will be allocated if the school is oversubscribed (the admissions criteria)

You can get a copy by contacting your local authority, or pick one up at your local library.
You can also find information on school holiday schemes and after school clubs from your local library or www.direct.gov.uk

Sure Start Children’s centres

Children’s centres are developed in line with the needs of the local community so no one children’s centre is the same. However, there is a core set of services they must provide:
Child and family health services, ranging from health visitors to breastfeeding support
most centres offer high quality childcare and early learning - those that don’t can help advise on local childcare options
advice on parenting, local childcare options and access to specialist services for families like speech therapy, healthy eating advice or help with managing money
help for you to find work or training opportunities, using links to local Jobcentre Plus offices and training providers

Finding your local children's centre
You can locate your nearest Sure Start Children’s Centre by contacting your local Family Information Service on 08002 346 346.

Under 5’s

All childminders and day-care providers caring for young children under eight - including playgroups, pre-schools, private nurseries, crèches and out-of-school clubs - must be registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register (or in Wales, by the Care Standards Inspectorate).

Registration includes a criminal records check on anyone involved in providing childcare and an inspection of the premises to look at health and safety and educational welfare issues. Childcare providers caring for older children (aged five to seven years), must join the compulsory part of the Ofsted Childcare Register.

All schools and early years providers have to follow a structure of learning, development and care for children. This is called The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and it enables your child learn through a range of activities.

Information on child care for under 5’s and toddler groups can also be obtained from your local library or heath visitor.

Security measures and safety in your new home

2009-03-27T22:40:00.002Z

In an ideal world there would not be a need to mention this section but from personal history I would recommend any person starting again after domestic violence to consider these suggestions.

Your personal safety plan could include the following:

Tell someone you trust about what has happened, and set up a password with them so you can let them know if you are in danger.

Keep the following with you at all times if possible:

cash and cash cards

a mobile phone

address book, with numbers of, for example, domestic abuse support agencies, your GP,
your local police station, your children's schools, your solicitor, and your social worker, where relevant

car keys.

Teach your children to dial 999 in an emergency.

Pack a bag containing essentials for you and your children and leave it somewhere safe

If you are attacked, or think you are about to be attacked, try to get to a safer room, one where there is a telephone and an exit; avoid rooms (for example, the kitchen) where there are that could be used as weapons.

There are several measures you can take to make you safer in your home, by:

fitting more secure locks, door chains, and peepholes for the front doors

reinforcing doors and door frames

getting window locks, bars, and grills installed

installing alarms, CCTV and security lighting

improving fire safety measures

having a reinforced and lockable safe room in the house, from which the police can be called

letting neighbours know that the perpetrator no longer lives with you, and asking them
to let you know if they see her/him hanging around

changing telephone numbers and screening calls.

These measures can be used in conjunction with any legal measures to protect you taken to exclude the perpetrator (for example, an Occupation Order or Non-molestation Order). They will only protect you while you are inside your home, though, so you may want to consider other security measures for while you are out (for example, personal alarms, a mobile phone, self-defence classes). They can also be expensive, although you might be able to get help paying for them from the council

The police can give you further advice on security measures. Make sure your local police station knows that you have been a victim of domestic abuse. You should also give them a copy of any relevant injunction, especially if it has a power of arrest attached, so they are aware that they will need to respond quickly to any call from you.

Money and Grants

2009-03-27T22:27:00.002Z

Your benefit entitlements will vary according to your circumstances. Some benefits are automatic (such as Child Benefit) but most are means tested (which means you have to fulfil certain criteria).

You can get information and support in making benefit applications from a variety of agencies including the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and your local branch of Citizens Advice Bureaux.
For further information on benefits you can visit the Department for Work and Pensions website at www.dfwp.gov.uk.

You may be able to apply for some of the following benefits:

Income Support
Children's Tax Credit
Child Benefit
Jobseekers Allowance
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Benefit
Crisis Loan
Community Care Grants
Budgeting Loans
Income Support

If you're working less than 16 hours a week and you have a low wage or you're not in paid work at all, you may be entitled to income support.
You must not have savings of more than £8000.

If you're a single parent you'll also get additional payments (called allowances and premiums) to help you.

Extra premiums are also available if you have a disability or you're a pensioner.

You may be asked to provide the details of your children's father to the Child Support Agency. You're entitled to refuse to give this information if you have experienced domestic violence without your benefits being affected.
You can contact your local social security office for an application form.

Children's Tax Credit
If you have at least one child you are looking after and you're working at least 16 hours a week you may be eligible for Children's Tax Credit which will be paid directly into your bank account. You can contact the inland revenue on 0845 300 3900 for further information.
Child Benefit
Your child has to be under 19 and still in full time education.

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
To qualify you need to be capable of working, available for work and actively seeking work.
If you've been paid or have been treated as having paid National Insurance (NI) contributions, you may be able to get contribution-based JSA.
If you're on a low income you may get income-based JSA even if you haven't paid NI contributions. Income-based JSA is based on how much the law says you need to live on.
You cannot usually get JSA if you're aged under 18 or if you're studying full-time.
You can't usually get income-based JSA if you have savings over £8000 and savings over £3000 usually affect how much income-based JSA you get.
Contact your local social security office, Jobcentre of Jobcentre Plus for further details.

Housing Benefit
As long as you have less than £16000 in savings, you can apply for housing benefit to help pay your rent. Savings of over £3000 will usually affect how much Housing Benefit you get.
If you're working but receiving low income, you may still be eligible for part of your rent. If you're a full time student you can't usually get Housing Benefit. Contact your local social security office for a claim form.

Dual Housing Benefit
It's sometimes possible to claim (dual) housing benefit on two separate properties for a limited time. This may be an option if you're already claiming housing benefit on a property which you then have to flee due to domestic violence.
If you're intending to return to the properly but are temporarily staying in temporary accommodation (for example you may be staying in a refuge until you can secure an injunction to get your violent partner to leave and/or stay away the property) you may be entitled to claim housing benefit for your permanent and temporary accommodation for 4 weeks.
If you're deciding what to do and considering your options, this could be extended to 12 months.
You can seek further advice on this from specialist organisations such as Women's Aid.

Council Tax Benefit
You can apply for help with payment towards your Council Tax if you're on a low income. If you've moved home, tell your council straight away.
Savings over £16000 usually mean you won't be able to get Council Tax Benefit. Savings over £3000 affect how much you can get.
Contact your local social security office for an application form.

Crisis Loan
This can be paid to buy any necessary items abandoned or unavailable because of violence or fear of further violence.
It can also be paid for day-to-day living expenses while waiting for income support to be paid. It has to be repaid. It'll be deducted at a weekly rate from any future payment of benefit.
Contact your local social security office for an application form or download a copy from the Department of Work and Pensions website at www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/crisis_loans.asp

Community Care Grants
This is paid to replace lost or unavailable items after fleeing your previous home and to buy items to set up a new home. The payments are discretionary. To qualify you must be receiving income support and be:
Setting up home after leaving 'institutional' care (e.g. women's refuges, homeless hostel), or
Need help to prevent entry into 'institutional' care, or
Be a family under exceptional pressure.
Savings over £500 will usually affect how much your get. This does not have to be repaid.

Budgeting Loans
This is paid for:
Rent in advance to a private landlord or housing association,
Removal expenses to move to a new home,
Buying clothing or footwear
Buying furniture or household equipment.
It cannot be paid for deposits, meals or service charges. This does have to be repaid. Contact your local social security office for a claim form.

Grants from charities

The application forms for these trust funds, usually need to be supported by a letter from, or administered by, an objective third party "responsible person" such as a teacher, social worker, probation officer, hostel or prison staff member, worker for a registered charity, Citizens Advice Bureau adviser, etc., i.e. someone whose judgment and word they can trust, as they are often the target of the unscrupulous who only want to rip them off for as much as they can get.

Maggie Pound,Grants Manager,
Fenton Trust and various others –
Family Welfare Association,
501-505 Kingsland Road,
Dalston,
London E8 4AU
Tel: 0207 254 6251 Monday and Wednesday ONLY between 10am -12noon and 2pm - 4pm;
Fax: 020 7249 5443;
mailto:enquiry@fwa.org.uk;
web site:http://www.fwa.org.uk
Grant size is in the region of £500 on average, but depending on the circumstances, can be a lot more, (i.e. several £K).
These are one of the very best trusts to get funds from, mainly (but not only) for any education or training needed, as they administer a lot of (40 or so) small trust funds from which they draw small sums to make up what you need.

FWA's priority (but not only) areas for funding are currently:
Mental Health: Support to improve the quality of life and reduce isolation for families or individuals (over the age of 18) with mental health problems. Please note supporting evidence of the mental health problem will be required from a suitable medical professional.
Domestic violence: Support for those leaving a violent relationship to help rebuild their lives.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Support available to promote the stability of families and integration into life in the UK.
Older People: Support to promote independence, improve the quality of life and reduce isolation for those aged 60 and over.
Young People (aged 19 to 25): Support for vulnerable young people to help to establish a stable and independent life.
Lone Parents:
Support to assist lone parents in need with the cost of children's school uniforms and school trips. (Please note that grants are also available, to a maximum of £200),
Support for lone parents with the additional cost of their own education, such as books, equipment, travel and childcare - All applications for this purpose should be made via the Educational Grants Advisory Service.
Please note that the information requested must be provided on the form; appended documentation will not be accepted. Applications for welfare grants must be made by a responsible person.

Administrator,
VRF (Vicars Relief Fund),
St. Martins-in-the-Fields,
6, St. Martins Place,
London, WC2N-2JJ
Tel: 0207 766 1100
Fax: 0207 839 5163
mailto:craig.norman@smitf.org
Web site: http://www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/page/care/fund.html
Many people who are subsisting on benefits have no savings or no one to help them when something goes wrong, such as their washing machine breaking down or spending time in hospital with a sick child. Likewise, when things go right and people have been able to turn their lives around, like getting a flat after being homeless or breaking an addiction, few have the resources to buy a bed, a cooker or some clothes.
The Vicar's Relief Fund helps to meet needs like these by making small grants. The Fund helps those in the greatest of need, regardless of who they are, where they live in the UK, their origins, legal status or belief.
The VRF makes grants to 'those who are in need or suffering hardship'. Hardship for one person or family may not be the same for another, so they attempt to be flexible in their approach. Although it is impossible to define a 'typical' grant, their aim is to help provide the recipient with ordinary necessities many people take for granted.
They respond to requests for items such as beds and bedding, clothing, domestic appliances, furniture, equipment for babies and toddlers, and arrears on rent, council tax or utility bills.
They don't usually make grants to individuals applying on their own behalf. As a small charity with limited resources, they rely on professionals like the ones listed below to assess their client's needs and, where appropriate, make an application on behalf of their client.

Social workers
Support workers in housing associations, hostels, refuges, Sure Starts and family centers
Key workers in rehabilitation centers
CAB advisors
Probation officers
CPNs, health visitors and other health professionals
Clergy, prison and hospital chaplains
And staff in other voluntary organizations and caring agencies.

They don't normally make more than one grant per person or family in any twelve-month period. Although the VRF is a small charity, it has a national reach, so they don't want to concentrate limited resources in one area of the country or a single organisation. Please do not send in more than one request at a time: it is best to make an application to the VRF when there is a pressing need rather than for routine applications. To request app forms, contact the VRF Administrator.

R.L. Glasspool Charitable Trust,
Mrs. F Moore, Administrator,
2nd Floor, Saxon House,
182 Hoe Street,
Waltham stow,
London E17 4QH
Tel: 020 8520 4354
Aims: The relief of the poor, sick and necessitous regardless of background, at the complete discretion of the Trustees
£300-500 on average, but can occasionally is a lot more, depending on needs.
For people on a low income, to buy household goods, clothing, items to make life easier in the home, etc. this charity has a special deal with Comet and other warehouses, so they won't send a cheque, but will instead have the "white goods" sent directly to the home of the recipient, i.e. cooker, fridge/freezer, washing machine, sofa, beds, etc. Applications should include the individuals:
full name, age and address of members of the household;
a breakdown of household income and expenditure, including any disability benefits and any debts (you can use this Income/Expenditure calculator / financial statement - however, I would advise you to download and first watch the video tutorial of filling in a financial statement which are on the downloads page )
information on family circumstances;
detail of the need being requested, for example, cooker, washing machine, fridge/freezer, etc.;
requests for holiday grants should provide an outline of the proposed holiday, including date, type, location, duration and a breakdown of costs;
details of other funding sources approached and other requests.

The Secretary,
SVP (The St Vincent de Paul Society)
5th Floor,
291-299, Borough High Street,
London, SE1 1JG
Tel: 020 7407 4644
Fax: 020 7407 4634
Email: terryk@svp.org.uk or info@svp.org.uk
web site: http://svp.org.uk/content/who.php
Anyone in need in England and Wales. Grants are only offered following a visit from a member of the society. Small one-off grants towards food, clothing, fuel bills or small holiday grants, dependent on local assessment and availability of funds. This can be used for food, clothing, essential items, etc., but not for education. Prison visits take place in some areas.Mrs M.E. Yeats,

Mrs R. Fellows, Secretary,
Gane Trust,
6, Sabrina Way,
Stoke Bishop,
Bristol, BS9-1ST
Tel: 0117-968-4266 £500
For crafts, social welfare, and architecture / design courses, or activities. A letter to above, along with a CV, details of the course or activity you want them to fund, and the financial reasons for the application.

Mrs E. Heinink, Trustee,
Tim Rice Trust,
31, The Terrace,
Barnes,
London, SW13-0NR
Tel: 0208-878-7950 £1K
Tony Baylies, Secretary,
William Johnston Trust Fund, .
Rathbones,
Port of Liverpool Building,
Liverpool, L3 1NW
Tel: 0151 236 6666
This is for anyone in any kind of "need", but not for educational purposes. Preference is given to the elderly. Application by hand written letter only. Recurrent grants of £650 - £4,000. One-off grants for such things as TV licences and birthdays can also be given
.

Elizabeth Finn Trust,
D.G.A.A., 1 Derry St.,
London, W8-5HY
Tel: 0207 396 6700
Fax 0207 396 6739
Also on Free Tel: 0800 413 220.
Web site: http://www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/ £1.2K
Elizabeth Finn Care helps people in need whose former careers have been interrupted or ended through physical or mental problems, loss of work and family breakdown or those struggling on low income in retirement. They can help the person who applies to them, their partner or their children.
They can give grants to those whose former jobs required training that equates to NVQ Level 4 and above. For those people who were working before these qualifications existed there is a wide range of occupations they have identified which qualify for their support. They help ANYONE who is professional or similar by birth, marriage or way of life and either British and Irish nationality, any age, anywhere, any religious denomination,
The grant can be used for household items to make life easier in the home, etc. This one is good for furniture and household items on release. It can't be used for any type of medical or educational expenses.

Information on changing your name

2009-03-27T22:21:00.001Z

Changing a name by Deed Poll at any time

This doesn’t change a person’s name on their birth certificate and is effectively a
legal document that declares that the person wishes to be known by a new name and
intends, from the date of the deed, to be known by that name. It is signed by the
person who wishes to change their name in front of a witness. Lawyers can draw this
up for you and packs are available if you wish to do the work yourself.

Changing a name by statutory Declaration at any time

Again, this doesn’t change a person’s name on their birth certificate but is a legal
document that declares that the person wishes to be known by a new name and
intends, from the date of the declaration, to be known by that name. It is signed by
the person who wishes to change their name in front of a Commissioner (e.g. any
qualified solicitor) who “witnesses” it

The magistrates court can also Witnesses a statutory declaration and charge a fee of around £5.00

Legal help

2009-03-27T22:15:00.002Z

What you might need a solicitor for

Solicitors can help you access the civil law (non-criminal law) in a number of ways.

Applying for injunctions - an injunction is a 'civil law order' which you can use to help keep you safe. It places legal restrictions on your partner to try to prevent or limit any further violence.

For orders to do with children - applying for / or responding to, orders under the Children's Act (residence orders, contact orders, prohibited steps orders)

Getting a divorce or a judicial separation - (a legally recognised separation). A solicitor would deal with the proceedings and any financial settlements you need to make. Divorce proceedings can't be commenced within the first year of marriage but you can instruct a solicitor as soon as you separate so they can serve your divorce petition as soon as the year is over. There is no time limit on a judicial separation however, you can do that when ever you want to.

Finding a solicitor

There are a number of agencies who could recommend a family law solicitor who is experienced in domestic violence (call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247)

You can also contact Rights of Women 020 7251 6577 for free legal advice.

You can also seek advice from local advice centres (e.g. Citizen's Advice Bureaux) in your area. Or you could try Just Ask, where you can do postcode searches to find your nearest solicitor or advice agency.

Help with costs

You may be entitled to help with your legal costs through the Legal Help scheme (commonly known as Legal aid).
You have to apply for Legal Help through a solicitor.

If you're not sure whether you'd qualify call Rights of Women 020 7251 6577 or visit their website at www.rightsofwomen.org.uk and they may be able to give you an indication of whether you'd be eligible. To be eligible your income must not exceed £2000 per month and your capital must not exceed £3000.

If you need to be represented at court you may be granted Legal Representation (i.e. your legal costs are paid for by public funds). To succeed in gaining Legal Representation, most applications have to show that 'the likely benefits to be gained from the proceedings justify the cost, such that a reasonable private paying client would be prepared to litigate, having regard to the prospects of success and all other circumstances'.

For further advice contact Rights of Women on 020 7251 6577.

If you're not entitled to Legal Help, but would have difficulty paying for a solicitor, there are less expensive options available.

For more information contact either Rights of Women on 0207 251 6577 or go to the Darlington Domestic violence Forum website at www.ddvf.org. There are forms online that you can print out and fill in before going to your solicitor (which will make it cheaper).

Housing and the council’s obligations’ to you

2009-03-27T22:08:00.001Z

As a victim of domestic violence you can approach Any local authority in the UK and ask for help with housing.
The law says that the council should consider you homeless if you have no accommodation that you have a right to occupy. However, if even you do have accommodation that you have a right to occupy (e.g. a joint tenancy), the council should consider you homeless if you cannot return there because it is likely that you, or anyone else you live with (e.g. one of your children), will be at risk of violence or domestic abuse.
This is usually done by making a homeless application to that council under part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (HA 1996) and The Homelessness Act 2002

Under HA 1996 domestic violence is defined
As violence from another person or threats
From another person which are likely to be
Carried out’. This includes actual violence
And threats of violence and includes
Violence inside or outside the home. There
Is no need for violence to have already
Taken place. The Homelessness Code of
Guidance 2006 makes it clear that
domestic violence is not just physical violence
and specifically states that it
should be understood to include threatening
behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological,
physical, sexual, financial or emotional).
Local authorities must have regard to the
Code of Guidance before making a decision
and cannot require proof of domestic violence
before they will act

Councils have to accept homelessness applications in any form. This means that you should be able to apply:
· in person
· by telephone
· in writing.

However, most councils prefer homeless people to apply in person at the council offices so that they can be interviewed. If the council is insisting that you apply in a certain way and you are unable to do this for any reason, it may be acting illegally, and you should seek further advice

The council will interview you about what has happened. They should offer you the choice of being interviewed by a person of the same sex. If you feel that the person interviewing you is not being sympathetic or not taking you seriously, tell them, or ask to speak to their manager
The council may ask you for some evidence of the violence, for example a crime reference number. However, if you cannot supply evidence, it should take your word that you have been a victim of violence or threats of violence. It may ask you to sign a statement stating what has happened. Sometimes councils ask for a formal document, called a statutory declaration, detailing your circumstances; this should not really be necessary, but it is sometimes easier to get one than argue with the council about it. The local county court or a solicitor can draw up a statutory declaration (a solicitor may charge for the service, but county courts will usually do it for free).

The council will then make further inquiries into your situation to establish if it has to rehouse you. It may contact the police, your friends and relatives, your landlord, your doctor, or anyone else you have told about or who may know about the violence. However, it should not contact the person who has been violent against or threatened you, as this could put you at risk. It should normally complete its inquiries and make a decision (which it must give to you in writing) within 33 working days.

After making its enquiries, the council has to inform you in writing of the decision it has made. The decision letter (sometimes known as the notification letter) has to be sent to you or made available for you to collect from the council offices. The decision letter must say:
· what decision the council made
· the reasons why the council made that decision
· that you have the right to request a review of the decision within 21 days and how you can do so.

If you haven't received a decision letter yet, the council may still be investigating your situation. If you are told verbally of the council's decision, ask the person you speak with to confirm it in writing and get advice. An adviser can check the reasons why the council made the decision and help you to request a review within the time limit.
If you are in short-term accommodation (eg you are staying in a refuge) because you have left your home because of violence or threats of violence, you should also be considered to be homeless.

It is also possible to apply for housing with other local authorities but you can only apply to one council as a homeless person/family, which just means you go onto the council’s waiting list and while you might be eliable for additional points or a higher band you will not be as priory as say a homeless case. It is useful to ask the council your thinking of applying to as an additional council how long you might possibly have to wait for re-housing should to make an application.

The council has a duty to protect your property when it is at risk of damage or loss and you are not able to protect or deal with it yourself, for example because you can't afford to arrange removals or storage. This duty applies from the point you make an application as homeless and the council believes you may be eligible for help. It applies to your property and the property of anyone else included in your application.
The council has to do what is reasonable to prevent loss or damage to your property.

The council can:
· arrange removals
· arrange storage
· gain entry to a property to recover your belongings.

The council can make charges for the protection of your property, and most councils do this. Charges may be waived by some councils for people on low incomes or benefit. It is likely to be cheaper and more practical for you to arrange removals and storage yourself if you are able to.
If the council loses touch with you, or the duty to protect your property ends, the council may be able to dispose of your property. It has to follow specific procedures in order to do this. If it does not do so you may be able to take court action to get compensation. Get advice if this happens to you.

The council no longer has a responsibility to protect your property when:

· it considers there is no longer a danger of damage or loss to your property
· it finds you don't meet the criteria for help with accommodation
· it has fulfilled all its responsibilities towards you.

Even if the council has no further obligation to provide accommodation for you, it can choose to continue to protect your property. The council has to inform you in writing if it decides it has no further duty to protect your property.

Surviving domestic violence and starting again

2009-03-27T22:04:00.001Z

Leaving my home because of domestic violence was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever had to make. While coming into a refuge was life saving it also very difficult to leave behind everything I knew and owned.

I got a huge amount of personal support from my last refuge but unfortunately as with all providers some places I have been over the years were not as informative with information that was much needed, therefore I wanted to create a blog that contained some of the information that was helpful to me and I hope will be to you too.

Preparing to leave a refuge can be very frightening but remember the workers in refuge are there to help support you through this.

Starting again is a takes allot of organisation and planning, there so many things that need to be arranged on top of keeping yourself and any children you have safe.