Domestic violence

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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 so that you are aware of all your legal options. You may choose to seek legal 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 you remain safely in your 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.

Safenet - East Lancashire Women's Refuge Association run a community based domestic abuse service across East Lancashire.

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

Community Safety Partnership 'Safer Lancashire' - this website contains detailed information about all aspects of domestic violence which includes

• What is domestic violence
• Myths and reality
• One size does not fit all
• Some specific forms of domestic violence
• Facts and statistics
• Recognising domestic violence
• Ways to increase your safety
• Practical advice and help
• Young People and Children
• Worried about your behaviour
• Someone you know is experiencing domestic violence
• Tackling domestic violence in Lancashire

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.

Pendle Domestic Violence Strategy 2007 - The development of Pendle Borough Council's first domestic violence strategy was in 2007.

Pendle Domestic Violence Strategy 2009-2012 - Following on from the successful implementation of the first strategy, this second strategy was developed to further improve services. In line with the Government's Action Plan for domestic abuse, the aims of the strategy are divided in the three key themes of prevention and early intervention, protection and justice and support for victims.

Lancashire Domestic Violence Strategy 2007-2012 - Lancashire County Council has developed an over-arching domestic violence strategy for the county. The purpose of this strategy is to build upon the excellent work being carried out around the county and promote effective partnership working.