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Domestic violence
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Reporting and investigation services
- Reporting to the Police (Metropolitan Police website)
- The Police Community Safety Unit in Merton (Metropolitan Police website)
- One Stop Shop
What is domestic violence
The agreed definition of Domestic Violence is:
‘Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.’
(This definition included Honour crimes, sexual violence, forced marriage & harmful cultural practices)
Examples of Domestic Violence can include
- Harassment and stalking
- Isolation
- Threats
- Physical violence (punching, kicking, hitting etc.)
- Sexual violence
- Verbal abuse
- Disrespect
- Pressure tactics
- Denial (including financial)
- Mind games
The effect on Children and Young People
Domestic violence also has a serious effect on children and young people. For more information see the Safeguarding Children Board webpages Domestic Violence - the effect on children and young people
Advice and information
Domestic Violence and Abuse leaflet (25kB) with local information for women and men in the borough.
How to gain a non Molestation order (0.1MB)
One Stop Shop
The One Stop Shop is a confidential service for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse in Merton.
For more information view the One Stop Shop page
If you are worried about a friend and would like advice on how to help look at the information below.
Directory of local services
Directory of local services for victims of domestic violence. This directory lists local organisations that can provide services and support to victims and survivors of domestic violence, and their children. There is also a list of national organisations contact details.
Domestic Violence Directory of local services (102kB) last updated on 25.06.2010
Pet fostering
Dogs Trust Freedom Project Greater London, pet fostering project for women fleeing domestic violence in the Greater London area.
Access the Dogs Trust Freedom Project leaflet (0.1MB) (PDF 121kb)
Tel: 0800 298 9199
Email freedomproject@dogstrust.org.uk
16 Days against Violence Campaign
The 16 days campaign runs from 25th November to 10th December every year. Its a campaign that aims to promote support services and raise awearness of domestic violence and how it affects people.
The 16 days starts with white ribbon day on 25th November.
MARAC
We also operate a monthly Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), which discusses the highest risk DV cases, with the aim of improving the safety and options of victims and their children, and managing offenders appropriately.
Should you wish to make a referral to the MARAC, or have any other questions relating to domestic violence, please contact Merton's MARAC Coordinator by email at mertonmarac@merton.gov.uk.cjsm.net
See also
- Personal safety
- Rape and sexual assault
- Support for crime victims and witnesses
- Harassment and stalking
- IKWRO helps Middle Eastern women living in the UK to escape violence
Related websites
- Broken Rainbow website
- Rape and sexual abuse support centre website
- Age UK website
- Refuge website
- Karma Nirvana website
- The Survivors Trust website
- National stalking help line
- Merton against trafficking
Contact us
Safer Merton
Merton Council
Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX
Telephone: 020 8545 4146
Email: safer.merton@merton.gov.uk
This page was last updated on Thursday 2 February 2012