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Report domestic abuse if you can't stay in your home

If you can't remain in your home because you are at risk of domestic abuse, you can apply for homelessness support by reporting your situation.

Report domestic abuse:

  • in person by visiting the Civic Offices, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
  • by calling 0208 770 5000
  • by sending an email
  • by asking any professional you are involved with to make a referral on your behalf

Examples of domestic abuse

Domestic violence and abuse can take different forms. Although it can be very frightening, sometimes it is also very subtle. 

Read the GOV.UK definition of domestic abuse

Some examples include:

  • threats and intimidation, such as threatening to hurt you or members of your family
  • physical abuse such as: 
    • hitting
    • shoving
    • kicking
    • strangling 
    • slapping
    • hair pulling 
    • throwing things
    • choking or smothering, even when it doesn’t leave physical marks
  • sexual abuse such as:
    • performing sexual acts or having sex with you when you don’t want to 
    • this can include the use of threats, intimidation, coercive behaviour or physical force, although it is still sexual abuse even without using these
  • insults by name-calling or criticism of your appearance or identity
  • criticism and put-downs
  • forced isolation from your friends or family
  • being blamed for every argument or problem, or for the violent behaviour
  • humiliation at home or in public
  • controlling behaviour such as:
    • telling you what to do or wear, or 
    • using manipulation or coercion
  • following you or checking up on your mobile phone, post or internet use
  • financial abuse includes:
    • preventing you from getting or keeping a job
    • taking your money away 
    • withholding the family income

Our response to domestic abuse

We believe domestic abuse is unacceptable whenever and however it occurs.

We will always adopt a non-judgemental and believing approach to reports of domestic abuse.

When you’ll hear back from us

We'll respond to reports within the following timescales:

  • reports made by email will be responded to within 2 working days
  • referrals from other organisations will be responded to the same day
  • where a report is made by telephone and it is not safe for the survivor to be called back the contact centre agent will contact a member of the duty team to arrange to put the client straight through to them

What happens next

We’ll contact you to find out more about your living situation and what you would like to happen. We will ask you to tell us:

  • about the abuse 
    • what type of abuse it is
    • how long it has been going on for 
    • when the last incident was 
    • we will also do a risk assessment
  • your address history for the last 5 years
  • your immigration status
  • where you now live and what type of property it is, such as Council, privately rented or owned, and whose name it is in.
  • who else is part of your household
  • whether you have any physical or mental health conditions or other support needs
  • what your income is.

You’ll also need to provide documents such as 

  • ID
  • proof of address
  • payslips 
  • benefit letters

Once we have this information we can help you decide what to do about your living situation. Some of the possible options might be to:

  • leave your home and go into a refuge or emergency accommodation
  • stay in your home and have security features fitted to keep you safe
  • apply for a transfer or mutual exchange (if you are a social tenant)
  • stay with a friend or family member while we help you look for alternative accommodation
  • obtain a court order to keep the abuser away from you and your home
  • approach another local authority for help if you’re at risk in Sutton

It might be that you decide you are not ready to take any action and would just like some advice first. That’s fine, we won’t pressure you to leave your current residence if you’re not ready to. 

We will be here if you decide you would like further advice or to take action in the future.

You can get more information on domestic abuse on our website, including local and national support services.

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