Domestic violence - homeless prevention
Domestic abuse can take many forms such as:
- Physical abuse - slapping, punching, spitting, pinching or grabbing
- Emotional or mental abuse - constant criticism, threats to you or your family, not allowing you to sleep or have your freedom, with holding food or money.
- Sexual abuse - being forced to have sex without consent or to do things that make you feel uncomfortable
- Harassment - phone calls, following you, turning up at work or where you are socialising, sitting outside your house.
Avoiding homelessness
If you are experiencing domestic violence, it does not always mean you have to move out of your home.
You may wish to find a safe place to stay temporarily and return home later with security measures in place.
You may wish to remain in your home and seek legal assistance to keep an abusive partner away. Or, you may not feel ready to end an abusive relationship but want support and advice to plan to do this in the future.
How to get help
There are a number of local support services in Preston that can help you towards a safer future.
Preston Domestic Violence Services (PDVS)
PDVS supports adults (men and women), children and young people experiencing (or having experienced) domestic and/or sexual violence.
Report a problem
You can report a domestic violence problem through the following ways:
Call - Domestic Violence Helpline on 01772 201601 (for immediate assistant call the police on 999)
Please note: support will be provided according to individual needs and offered in a range of languages if required.
Safe Net
Safe Net domestic abuse services cover the North West of England, with support based in Burnley, Lancaster, Rochdale, Preston and Pendle.
Safe Net offer a range of different services and tailor them to suit each person's individual needs. This includes refuge services for women and children, male safe houses, community-based support, and specialist refuges for those with additional needs, such as addiction, mental health issues and ex-offending behaviours.
Safe Net understand that living with domestic abuse has a serious and life-changing impact on all aspects of life, particularly health and well being, and all our support staff can support you and act as your advocate if necessary, to help you to access the right services to regain control of your health and well being.
Call - 0300 3033 581
Finding another home
If you are no longer able to stay in your relationship and need to move out of your home, visit Preston City Council - Finding a home, for advice on renting affordable accommodation privately or through a housing association.
Homeless eligibility assessment
If you need to move out of your home and are at risk of becoming homeless, Preston City Council may be able to help you find a home through the Homelessness advice and assistance.