Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is an actual or threatened act of harassment, assault or violence (mental, physical or sexual) carried out by a current or former member of a household against another member of the same household. It is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.

Wherry Housing Association recognises that domestic abuse occurs regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, geography or tenure and also impacts upon children, family and the community. Every person has the right to be safe from abuse and fear.

As social landlords we may in some situations be able to take action against domestic abuse. However we will rely on working with partners such as the police, local authorities and support providers to deliver a full response.

If you are NOT in immediate danger, you can call our 24/7 anti-social behaviour & domestic violence hotline, on 0800 013 2328 or 0845 0451 280, and we will assist you in your situation as speedily as possible.

If you are in immediate or imminent danger

Where there has been violence or a threat of violence the police are the most appropriate body to take immediate action.

If you are victim of domestic abuse, or you are concerned about any threat to yourself or your family, it is vital that you make contact with the police as soon as possible.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Once your situation has been reported to the police, please also get in touch with your Wherry Neighbourhood team (0800 694 0165, option 2, during office hours, 8:30-5pm), and we should be able to assist and support your case.

Our response

In general, we will respond to reports of domestic abuse using the same timescales as for antisocial behaviour, but where there is risk of harm to the victim or children, we will respond faster. In these serious cases our first priority will be to work with the police to ensure the safety of the victim and coordinate legal action against the perpetrator.

Weekdays

If domestic violence or threats of violence are involved, you will be contacted within 24hrs by the housing officer (on weekdays), to check on your welfare, whether you are safe, whether the police have been informed, and what measures are in place for your protection. If required, we can discuss victim support, a review of your property and any need for panic alarms.

Out of hours service

If you call our ASB hotline over a weekend, we will ensure you are not in any immediate danger, secure and the police informed if necessary. You will then be contacted on the Monday morning to discuss your welfare and the next steps to be taken.

Confidentiality

Your safety and confidentiality is very important. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, we will discuss with you the best way of communicating with you to protect your safety and anonymity. We will ensure privacy for interviews.

Your long-term needs

The local authority has the main responsibility for homelessness or re-housing those in urgent or critical need within their area. Wherry Housing Association will make every effort to work in partnership with the local authority if you require urgent re-housing.

If you have any queries, or think you may be at risk of domestic abuse but need more information, you can read our Domestic Abuse leaflet (392 KB), or our full Domestic Abuse Policy on our policies page, or contact us:

24 hr ASB & domestic abuse hotline: 0800 013 2328 / 0845 0451 280
Or to discuss domestic abuse during office hours: 0800 694 0165

“Norfolk says no” campaign

Wherry has signed up to the Norfolk Says No campaign.

The Norfolk Says No campaign is an initiative which developed from the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Board; a new partnership in Norfolk which will focus on improving services and support available to victims and survivors and on strengthening the working links between criminal justice agencies, public sector bodies and voluntary and charity organisations.

To find out more about the campaign, visit the Norfolk Criminal Justice Board website.