If you are being threatened, abused or hurt by someone in your household, you are experiencing domestic violence. Housing is one of the most important issues you will need to address and there are a number of options available to you.
Manchester City Council is committed to dealing with problems of domestic violence and to support the person who is the victim. If you live or work in Manchester you are entitled to help and support, whether you want to remain in your home or to move. For advice about your housing rights, contact Manchester Advice Domestic Violence Advice Workers on 07798 947596.
I want to stay in my home
Whatever your living arrangements, whether you are a tenant, owner-occupier or if you are living with a partner who is a tenant or owner occupier, you may be able take action to stop the violent person from entering the family home. If you are entitled to do this, you can apply to either the Magistrates' or County Court for a court order called an Occupation Order or more commonly, an injunction. If he or she does not keep to the terms of the injunction, they could be committing a criminal offence and may be arrested.
You will need to contact a solicitor (external link to CLS Direct) to take out an injunction. Alternatively, you can contact the Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project who can help by explaining your legal options to you, help you to find a solicitor, accompany you to solicitor's meetings and, if you wish, accompany and support you when you need to go to court. Their number is 0161 234 5341.
Council tenants
If you are a tenant of Manchester City Council who is experiencing domestic violence, your local Housing Office may be able to help you stay in your home and exclude the perpetrator from the property. You can speak to your Community Support Officer in confidence about the problems you are experiencing and they will explain your options to you. Alternatively, contact Manchester Advice Domestic Violence Advice Workers on 07798 947596.
Housing Association tenants
If you are a tenant of a Housing Association, you can report the problem to your Housing Officer, who should be able to discuss with you how they can help.
Private tenants / owner occupiers
If you are a tenant of a private landlord or you or your partner are an owner occupier, you may still be able to get an injunction to keep the violent person away from your home. For further help and / or information:
Contact a solicitor (external link to CLS Direct) or contact the Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project on 234 5341 for further information.
I want to leave
If you need to leave the family home, you can apply to the Council as a homeless person. The Council has a duty to ensure that there is accommodation available to you while they are investigating your circumstances.
You can apply to any Council in the country and you do not have to have any particular link with that area. This is to ensure that someone who has experienced domestic violence does not need to remain in the same area where the violent person is living.
The Council will probably ask you for information supporting your claim that you have experienced domestic violence. You will also need proof of your identity and previous address. Supporting evidence could consist of police reports, GP report and statements from friends or associates. However, as many women have to leave in a hurry and may be unable to bring the correct documents with them, and/or they may not have any supporting evidence, their application will still be considered.
The Council will not contact the person who has been violent if it will put you in danger.
The Council may advise you of the option of remaining in your home and getting an injunction (see above), however you are under no obligation to consider this option if it would expose you to risk or danger. For further information about your rights contact the Manchester Advice Domestic Violence Advice Workers on 07798 947596.
Women's refuges
For many women, the first point of call after experiencing domestic violence is a refuge. These are houses set up by and staffed by women to provide a safe space and temporary accommodation for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence. A number of different families will live in a refuge at one time. Each family will usually live in one large room and share the bathroom, toilet, kitchen and living room facilities. The locations of refuges are kept secret to ensure the safety of the occupants. Staff working at refuges provide advice and support to the women and children living there. They can also refer women to counsellors, solicitors and advice services. To find out about refuge accommodation on Manchester, contact the Domestic Violence Helpline on 636 7525 (Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm) or the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
Information on other websites
Where to get help
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Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
28 October 2008
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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