Domestic abuse support

This page is for anybody that wants to learn about domestic abuse support. You might be worried about yourself or someone else.

 

Who we help

We work with anyone experiencing domestic abuse or hurting others through domestic abuse:

  • living in Hackney
  • aged 16 or over
  • of any sex and/or gender
  • of any sexuality

See Translated information about our Domestic Abuse Intervention Service.

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What is domestic abuse

Behaviour of a person towards another person is “domestic abuse” if:

  • the people concerned are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other (partner, ex-partner, family member), and
  • the behaviour is abusive

Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following:

  • physical or sexual abuse
  • violent or threatening behaviour
  • controlling or coercive behaviour
  • economic abuse
  • psychological, emotional or other abuse

It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

Domestic abuse is a crime. Domestic abuse comes in many forms.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 covers different types of abusive behaviour such as:

Take a look at the questions below and see if you can relate to any of them.

  • do you change your behaviour because you’re frightened of your partner’s reaction?
  • do you feel that you’re walking on eggshells?
  • do you feel controlled, or isolated?
  • does someone limit your control over your own money?
  • do they play mind games and make you doubt your judgment?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then there is help available for you.

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What we do about domestic abuse

 

Confidentiality

  • any information you share with us is confidential
  • we only share information with organisations if you give us permission
  • we only share information without your permission if you or someone else are at risk of serious harm
  • we never share anything you tell us with the person that is hurting you

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How to contact us

 

Domestic abuse and housing

We are DAHA (Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance) accredited members.

See support for Hackney residents booklet (PDF 646kb)

See domestic abuse housing options and advice booklet (PDF 374kb), you can also view translated versions:

The Domestic Abuse Intervention Service has worked with leading Registered Social Landlords operating in Hackney to create and launch the Hackney Social Landlords Domestic Abuse Protocol. This sets out what help residents living in social housing can expect if they are experiencing domestic abuse and how landlords will work to make tenants safer in their homes.

See Hackney Social Landlords Domestic Abuse Protocol (google doc)

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Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s law)

Other organisations that can help

Women’s Aid created a directory that contains up to date information about local domestic abuse support services. It is regularly updated by the services listed so you’ll be able to find the right local support, when you need it most.

We do not commission the services (apart from Nia’s IRIS service) and do not have responsibility for the quality of services.

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Tools for understanding domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can be difficult to understand.

The following tools may be useful in helping you understand your situation and making decisions about whether you want to get help. They’re also useful for professionals working with clients in helping to explore domestic abuse.

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Information for professionals

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Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

The Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a meeting for representatives to discuss high-risk cases of domestic abuse. The focus of a MARAC is to safeguard the victims.

During Hackney MARACs we:

  • share information to increase the safety, health and wellbeing of victims
  • take actions to reduce the risk of harm
  • review cases to explore all possible strategies for improving the victim’s safety
  • work in a coordinated way to put in place strategies for improving victim’s safety
  • impose sanctions to deter repeat offending
  • make sure representatives carry out actions on time
  • identify and raise issues of policy, practice, or partnership arising from casework
  • provide clear professional advice from involved agencies
  • contribute to the development of best practices around safety, planning and prevention

The meeting might be attended by:

  • the local police
  • probation services
  • health services
  • children’s social care
  • adult social care
  • housing
  • other specialists

Professionals working directly with the victim will always be present at a MARAC to:

  • make sure the MARAC hears the victim’s views
  • share their professional assessment of risk

The MARAC protocol outlines each attendees accountability and responsibility:

The MARAC referral form:

Email your form to marac@hackney.gov.uk or marac@hackney.gov.uk.cjsm.net.

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Eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG) Hackney Strategy 2022 to 2025

See end violence against women and girls

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Page updated on: 23 October 2024

Domestic Abuse Intervention Service

Address

c/o Hackney Service Centre
1 Hillman Street
E8 1DY

Opening times

  • Phone line availability: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Notes

For out of hours emergencies call police 999 / housing 020 8356 2300 / Refuge 0808 2000 247