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Support for victims of domestic abuse

Our Prevention and Crisis Support Officers 

We provide specialist support for victims of domestic abuse and sexual exploitation who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Our Prevention and Crisis Support Officers advise those who have suffered domestic abuse or sexual exploitation, and liaise with our housing options team to provide emergency accommodation if necessary.

We have access to expertly-designed properties with extra security measures, to ensure the victim and any children involved feel safe.

Our officers work with other agencies, councils and third sector groups to promote prevention and safeguarding messages in the wider community through advice and awareness-raising events.

To contact our Prevention and Crisis Support Officer, email housing.options@copeland.gov.uk or call 01946 598300.

Anyone who believes they are in immediate danger of abuse or exploitation should call 999. Those who are affected by these issues, but who are not homeless or at risk of homelessness, should call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or email helpline@refuge.org.uk

The Cumbria Domestic Abuse Partnership: working together to stop domestic abuse

Help is available from the Cumbria Domestic Abuse Partnership if you, or someone you know, needs support.

All Cumbrian district councils are part of this network, which provides specialist advice and assistance to anyone at risk of losing their home as a direct result of domestic or sexual abuse or exploitation (this includes men, women and children).

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional) between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

The abuser can use a pattern of behaviour(s) that is both abusive and controlling but may not always be violent. This behaviour is designed to give control and power over their victims and isolate them from other people and support. They can also deprive people of their independence and try to control and regulate their everyday behaviour.

The effects of domestic abuse can be both frightening and devastating. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from domestic abuse we are here to help - together we can stop domestic abuse.

How can we help?

• Crisis intervention and access to secure emergency accommodation for households in a domestic abuse crisis, or identified as being at severe risk of harm from others.

• Personalised support to address immediate safeguarding and longer term rehousing needs.

• Specialist housing assessment and support, including relocating to another area for those at serious risk of harm.

• Advocacy support working with partners to mitigate risks and promote community safety, including assistance to anyone identified as posing a significant risk to others.

• Access to personal and community safety interventions.

For further information or advice contact:

A number of organisations can offer support.