Domestic Abuse

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or background. It is a crime and is very common but often remains hidden.

The ways that the abuse takes place may change depending on individual circumstances and identities, some survivors of abuse are manipulated into believing that they are at fault or that there is no help available to them. This is not true.

Disagreements in close relationships are normal, but when it becomes a pattern that doesn’t feel right it may be a sign that something is wrong. Some marginalised communities may also be manipulated into believing certain things are “normal” for their identities, or that they could never be abused because of who they are.

Regardless of your identity or situation, Accent are here to help you.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is an incident or a pattern of behaviour in a close relationship – whether between a person and their current or former partner, a family member or members, a carer, or someone else close to them. It can take many forms, ranging from violent, physical harm to coercive and threatening behaviour that makes a person feel afraid or guilty, to controlling someone through their finances.

Most, but not all, domestic abuse falls into one of these categories:

Physical or sexual abuse
Violent or threatening behaviour, assaults and threats*
Controlling or coercive behaviour
Financial and Economic abuse
Psychological or emotional abuse

*Violent or threatening behaviour, assaults and threats are criminal offences. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s wellbeing, then you must report this to the Police by calling 999.

Supporting our customers

In an emergency

If you are experiencing violence, threatening behaviour, assault or threats please call the Police immediately on 999. If you are concerned about someone else’s immediate wellbeing, you must also call the Police.

If you need to call the police but are unable to speak out loud there are some options:

If you’re able to cough or tap the handset, the operator may hear you and still transfer you to the police
If you are calling from a mobile and cannot speak during the call, you will be transferred to the Silent Solution System. You’ll be prompted to tap 55 in the call, which will inform the police that there’s an emergency.
If you’re calling from a landline, the operator will be trained how to identify unsafe situations. If you replace the handset it may remain connected for 45 seconds so you can pick it up again.

Our commitment to you

We are committed to supporting anyone who being abused. We will:

React quickly to give you practical help, support and advice
Be non-judgemental, sensitive and understanding when we discuss your housing options
Work with or signpost you to other statutory and voluntary agencies who help you
Pursue, where appropriate, relevant action against those responsible for domestic abuse using the terms of our Tenancy Agreement

Speak to a member of the Accent team.

Please call us on 0345 678 0555. Our lines are open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. 

What happens after you contact us?

Once your call has been logged, a member of staff will be in touch. We will arrange a private, confidential chat so that we can assess your current situation and create an action plan with you offering advice, assistance, and support. This chat will be non-judgemental. We can help you to prepare to leave and find alternative accommodation, or we can help you secure your home so you can stay there safely.

Your housing options

Our housing team will provide you with support and advice.

We can talk to you about your housing options including staying in your home (and keeping you safe there), and safe accommodation options including finding a Refuge or alternative place if you need to be rehoused away from the person who is abusing you. These may not be with Accent.

If you cannot return home, you can speak to the Police and ask them to accompany you to collect your personal belongings from your home.

Your safety is our main concern. We will never inform the perpetrator that we have spoken to you.

We can advise you on tenancy issues

To ensure we get you the right support, we may also work in partnership with agencies such as Women’s Aid, Refuge, Victim Support, the Police, and local authorities. Sharing information with these agencies will mean that a more effective action plan can be put into place.

We will always work with you to do this.

If you have concerns about others

If you think someone is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999. Do not confront the abuser. 

If you have concerns about the welfare of the children, call the Police and the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

There are a number of things you can do if you witness domestic abuse or suspect that someone is being abused:

If it is safe to do so, try talking to the victim directly – ask them if they are okay and if there is anything you can do. Listen, believe and support them – avoid implying that they are to blame in any way
Call the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 for guidance.
Contact Accent on 0345 678 0555. Our lines are open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

If you do contact Accent about any concerns that you have about the well-being of your neighbours, any information you provide will remain confidential unless we are legally required to report it to the Police. If you would like to remain anonymous, please provide us with as much information as possible as we will be unable to contact you for more information.

Organisations and useful information

There are many organisations that can provide support to people. Many of these have information about the different types of domestic abuse, and what to do next.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline