Help and advice
Domestic abuse can take place in a variety of ways and anyone can be a victim
This can include controlling, threatening, violent and abusive behaviour.
We’re committed to providing homes and communities where people want to live and feel safe and take a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse.
What can PCH do for anyone experiencing domestic abuse?
At PCH we will:
- never tell anyone your personal details without your permission
- offer support and advice
- offer same gender or safe place interviews
- discuss organisations that provide long-term support if and when you may require it
- be sensitive and understanding when discussing your housing options
- react quickly and effectively to make sure you are safe
- take relevant action against those who are responsible for domestic abuse using the conditions of our tenancy agreements
- give you advice and practicable help with your tenancy and other issues
- provide additional security measures to your property if you need them or if it is appropriate to do so
What if I want to stay in my home?
We can help you with options to stay and be safe.
For advice about your tenancy, you may need to seek separate legal advice.
What if I can’t return to my home?
If you need to be rehoused away from the person who is abusing you, we can give you housing advice or discuss alternative safe accommodation.
If you are homeless, or worried that you may become homeless due to domestic abuse, you can get urgent advice and help from the Housing Department of your Local Authority who will assess your situation and let you know how to help and what your rights are.
All Local Authorities have a 24-hour telephone service for people in emergency situations.
Will the person causing domestic abuse know if I have asked for help?
We will never inform the person responsible that we have spoken to you.
As your safety is our main concern, we will also not take any action against this person without speaking to you first.
Can anything be done to help those who are abusive?
There are support networks available to help people change their behaviour:
- visit the Respect website
- or visit the Ahimsa website
Where can I get local help and support?
- Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services - 0800 458 2558
- First Light (for sexual assaults) - 0300 777 4777
- SARC - The Plymouth SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) - 0300 3034626
- Devon's domestic abuse helpline - 0345 155 1074
- Rape crisis helpline - 0808 802 9999
Is national help and support available?
- The National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
- Women’s Aid - 0808 2000 247
- National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline - 0800 999 5428
- Men's Advice Line - 0808 801 0327
- Respect - 0808 8024040
- Victim Support - 0808 168 9111
- SignHealth - 078600 33214 (text)
In an emergency always call 999.
Can I stop someone from seeing what I’ve been searching for online?
If you’re worried that someone may see what you have been looking at online there’s a few things you can do to minimise the chances of them finding out, like deleting your browser history.
Please remember that although clearing your history minimises the chances of someone knowing what websites you have visited, there is other means of finding this out if you know how.
The safest way to access sites if you want to be completely sure of not being tracked online, is to use a computer at a local library, an internet cafe, a friend's house or at work.
