Domestic violence

• Safe website surfing - please read this before you use this site.

Sadly domestic violence can happen to anyone, whatever their culture, class, age, gender, religion, race or sexuality. It is a serious crime which is unacceptable in our community.

If you are under immediate threat of violence, do not hesitate, ring 999.

You can also contact the police in non-emergency situations on 0845 1 25 35 45. You can also report a crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• Calling the Police - this link will hopefully help you with some questions you may have about making a call.

If you would like some support/advice regarding domestic violence, there are a number of local agencies who are able to help.

• Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative - are a charity set up to offer advice and assistance for all victims of domestic abuse (male and female). This advice and assistance includes help with legal options/advice which may help to resolve the situation or seek support such as the sanctuary scheme where alarms and security features could be fitted to help victims remain safely in their own home. Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative may be able to help you access a refuge should you require it - such as Pendle Women's Refuge.

• Pendle Women's Refuge - provides safe, secure refuge accommodation to all women, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity or sexuality. The refuge also has an adapted room that is adapted to better meet the needs of women and children with disabilities.

• Empowering Thoughts - are a Brierfield-based community group supporting women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and other problems.

• The Lookout - is a service in Pendle for young people aged 11-16 and 17-25 years who are victims of domestic abuse/violence. If you are experiencing domestic violence from a family member or within your own relationships and want confidential help, advice or support, contact the team on 01282 726001 or ring/text 07543 646959.

General Advice

• Increasing your safety/What to take with you - what to do in an emergency.
• Help with money - help if you have financial concerns.
• Legal help - advice regarding legal issues.
• Counselling and support - advice regarding counselling and support services.
• Children affected by domestic violence - general advice.
• Housing Advice - The Council's Housing Needs team work towards helping people with general enquiries, aiming to prevent homelessness where reasonable to do so and where this is not possible, provide options for rehousing. This is done through housing advice, consideration of housing options and appropriate referrals to support agencies where required.
• Pets - agencies which may be able to provide accommodation for pets.

Further sources of information

• Safer Lancashire - this website contains detailed information about all aspects of domestic violence
• Womens Aid
• Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse - CAADA
• Refuge

The following websites may be able to help you if you are a male victim of domestic abuse/violence.

• Mens Advice Line
• Refuge

If you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) person experiencing same-sex, homophobic or transphobic domestic violence, you can contact:

• Broken Rainbow for help and advice on what to do next.

Domestic Violence Strategies

Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Council have each developed strategies which aim to improve services and provide a co-ordinated response to the issue of domestic violence.

• Read or download Pendle's domestic violence strategies