Nottinghamshire Women's Aid

Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid ltd Supporting Women, Children and Young People across North Nottinghamshire Offering Choices, Improving lives.

Registered Charity Number 513843. A Company Ltd by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales Number 1822489 Registered Offi ce: The Farr Centre, Chapel Walk, Westgate, Worksop, Notts S80 1LR The Farr Centre: telephone 01909 533610, email: [email protected] Refuge: telephone 01909 478065, email [email protected] www.nottswa.org Introduction Domestic violence services in Nottinghamshire County are divided into two areas North and South. North Nottinghamshire covers Bassetlaw, Mansfi eld, Newark and Sherwood. Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd are the lead providers for services in North Nottinghamshire. Tel: 01909 533610 Email [email protected] www.nottswa.org South Nottinghamshire covers Ashfi eld, Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe. WAIS (Women’s Aid Integrated Services) are the lead providers for services in South Nottinghamshire. Tel: 0115 9475257 Email [email protected] www.wais.org.uk 24 hour free Helpline 0808 8000340 Text phone 0808 8000341 Background Information Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd, formerly Bassetlaw Women’s Aid Ltd was established in 1984 by a group of women who saw the need for a Refuge in this area. Since then it has grown and developed services in response to need. It is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee governed by a board of trustees. In 2003 it changed its structure from collective to linear management and in 2006 after consultation with its members changed its name from Bassetlaw Women’s Aid Ltd to Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd. • Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd continues to hold the Community Legal Services Quality Mark at general help level, maintaining the standards in 2011. • The organisation achieved accreditation by Supporting People Partnership Quality Standards to level B in all six core objectives. • In October 2010 the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Board carried out a Domestic Violence Service review on all specialists DV providers across Nottinghamshire; Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd had excellent feedback from this review. • Our Independent Domestic Violence Advocate service achieved Leading Lights Accreditation (a nationally recognised advocacy qualifi cation) in 2011. • In 2011 the organisation achieved recognition from Investors in People being awarded the Gold Standard.

2 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd 01909 533610 • [email protected] • www.nottswa.org Contents Introduction 2 Background information 2 What is Domestic Abuse? 3 Training Available 4 The Farr Centre 5 Refuge 6 Children’s Services 8 Floating Support and Outreach 10 Supported Housing 11 IDVA Service 12 Women’s Safety Workers 13 MARAC 13 Domestic Abuse Drop in Service 14 Safety planning 15 What is Domestic Abuse? The definition of Domestic Abuse is: In Women’s Aid’s view domestic violence is physical, sexual, psychological or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include forced marriage and so-called “honour crimes”. Domestic violence may include a range of abusive behaviours, not all of which are in themselves inherently “violent”. The Home Office view 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 includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called “honour based violence”, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.” Domestic abuse is most often experienced by women and from someone they know, usually a man. This could be a partner, carer, friend or family member. Domestic abuse can also happen in transgender and same sex relationships. Honour based violence is a crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community. “A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not (or in the case of some adults with learning or physical disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.” Female circumcision or cutting, more usually referred to as female genital mutilation (FGM), involves cutting out or operating on the genitalia of girls in order to conform to cultural or religious traditions or beliefs. Abuse can take the form of a physical assault such as hitting, punching or hair pulling, sexual abuse or emotional abuse such as threats, isolation, name calling, belittling or financial abuse such as withholding money and other abusive acts. Women who experience domestic abuse may feel isolated, alone and afraid. It can be difficult to believe that someone you care about can behave in such a way and many women assume that they are to blame for their abuser’s behaviour. This is NOT the case as it is the abuser’s behaviour that needs to change. Therefore it is important to accept that you are not to blame and to seek help if you require support.

3 Training and Awareness Sessions we Deliver Freedom Programme The Freedom Programme is an opportunity for survivors of domestic abuse to understand male violence towards women. It helps women understand the behaviours and beliefs of their abusive partners or ex-partners, connect with other women who have had similar experiences, feel less isolated and alone and have the chance to work through their feelings and experiences in a safe way. Parenting We work in partnership to deliver parenting programmes including Webster Stratton and Strengthening Families. SAFE Domestic abuse and healthy relationships awareness sessions delivered to secondary schools in the area. Hands are not for Hurting A treatment programme for children and their mothers/female carers who have experienced domestic abuse.

Training Resources Our trainers are members of NSCB and NDVF training pools and deliver a range of sessions on their behalf.

Bespoke training • Domestic abuse awareness • Routine/Direct Enquiry • Impact of domestic violence on children and young people • DASH/MARAC awareness

Rooms are available to hire at the Farr Centre, Chapel Walk, Westgate. Worksop. Contact us for further details of our competitive rates on 01909 533610

4 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd 01909 533610 • [email protected] • www.nottswa.org The Farr Centre, Chapel Walk, Westgate, Worksop S80 1LR Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 am – 7:30 pm.

The Farr Centre is open to all women in the area. It offers: • Counselling • Information • Support • Advice • Guidance • A range of women and service user groups • A range of educational and emotional well being courses • A free by appointment legal surgery • FreeDom Programme

A free OFSTED registered (EY338292) crèche is always available and provides: • Crèche spaces for courses • Crèche spaces for Centre appointments and drop ins • A Shopper’s crèche, by appointment with a small charge • A Mothers and Toddlers’ group • School holiday activities

Counselling Services Our female counsellors provide a free service working with BACP guidelines. Counselling is a time and space for you to talk about your experiences, your worries, dreams and memories in a confidential setting with someone who will listen and not be judgemental and who is outside of your normal life with no direct relationship.

5 Refuge mer afe E genc r S y A h cc 4 o Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid 2 m m Ltd provides Refuge services e o s d u in the Bassetlaw and Mansfield a b t a i areas. o

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The Refuge team staff comprises of women and children/young people’s support workers who are specialists in domestic abuse. They will respond in a non judgemental way to provide support to work through individual experiences and empower women and families to move forward with their lives.

Each Refuge is protected with security systems and offer an out of hours emergency service.

Bassetlaw Refuge is purpose built offering eight self contained two bedroom flats which are fully furnished. There are also communal areas which include a children’s playroom and a quiet/prayer room.

Mansfield Refuge is a five bedroom property, offering own private bedroom with communal living area and a children’s playroom.

6 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd 01909 533610 • [email protected] • www.nottswa.org Mansfield also has a separate shared satellite property available for women who require a lower level of support.

The Bassetlaw Refuge and Mansfield shared satellite property accept boys up to the age 17yrs.

Children and young people’s refuge services provide a range of therapeutic and play activities for children residing in refuge.

All refuges offer an immediate and temporary place of safety. We respect the residents rights to privacy and dignity and encourage wherever possible their involvement in the project through regular house meetings, social activities and events.

The Refuges maintain an “Open Door Policy” and no woman will be turned away without assistance, this includes providing weekend and some evening cover and an Out Of Hours Emergency System.

If you need Refuge contact any of the numbers below Bassetlaw 01909 478065 7 days a week Mon – Fri 9 am – 7 pm Sat – Sun 9 am – 1pm Mansfield 01623 420652 Mon – Fri 9 am – 5 pm Sat 9 am – 1 pm

24/7 free helpline 0808 8000340 Text phone 0808 8000341

7 CHIlDREN AND YOUNG PEOPlE’S SERVICES To make a referral contact 01909 533610, Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

We accept self One to referral or agency one support referral We deliver a range of services for children and young people both females and males

Supporting young people in their own abusive relationship

We aim to provide: Hands Are Not For Hurting • A safe place to talk alone or with others therapeutic programme • Safety planning • Understanding feelings • Increase confi dence and self esteem Support for women around the impact of • Early intervention and prevention domestic abuse on children • Therapeutic work • High Risk interventions

Group work Supporting women, children and young people experiencing the impact of domestic abuse Children and Young People’s Outreach Services are delivered across Bassetlaw, Mansfi eld, Newark and Sherwood and include group work and one to one support sessions Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm For further information contact 01909 533610, email [email protected], www.nottswa.org

8 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd 01909 533610 • [email protected] • www.nottswa.org CHIlDREN AND YOUNG PEOPlE’S SERVICES To make a referral contact 01909 533610, Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Domestic We work with Abuse Link children and We deliver a range of services Worker young people for children and young people 4-17 years both females and males

Children’s Refuge Workers

We aim to provide: • A safe place to talk alone or with others GREAT project within • Safety planning primary schools • Understanding feelings • Increase confi dence and self esteem Domestic abuse • Early intervention and prevention awareness within • Therapeutic work community settings • High Risk interventions

Parenting Supporting women, children and young people programmes experiencing the impact of domestic abuse Children and Young People’s Outreach Services are delivered across Bassetlaw, Mansfi eld, Newark and Sherwood and include group work and one to one support sessions Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm For further information contact 01909 533610, email [email protected], www.nottswa.org

9 Floating Support and Outreach This is a confi dential service for women which supports them around problems and issues relating to domestic abuse. We believe in encouraging women to make their own informed choices and to identify their own needs. We are not judgemental and will offer women support around the decisions that they make about their lives. Support available includes: • Support and information offered to any woman who is currently experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse. • Help with issues including safety planning, tenancy support, housing, benefi ts, legal options, attending court, confi dence building • Sanctuary Scheme includes safety measures to homes as well as one to one support. • Telephone support • Face to face support at an agreed location • Referrals to Refuge. • Signposting to Freedom Programme • Drop-in sessions held in Bassetlaw, Mansfi eld & Newark and Sherwood districts. Please ring 01909 533610 for details • Areas covered are Bassetlaw, Mansfi eld and Newark and Sherwood

Referrals to services Women may be offered regular one to one support, the option of attending the drop in sessions, telephone support depending on the level of identifi ed need. • Women can self refer to the service • Referrals can be made via other agencies with the woman’s consent. To make a telephone referral or for further information please contact 01909 533610. Service is available Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, evenings by appointment Referral forms are available for agencies on www.nottswa.org

10 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd 01909 533610 • [email protected] • www.nottswa.org Supported Housing Scheme The Supported Housing Scheme manages eight two and three bedroom properties in Bassetlaw, Mansfi eld, Newark and Sherwood areas on behalf of Nottinghamshire Community Housing Association (NCHA) offering housing with a tailored package of support to women with or without children affected by domestic abuse on renewable six month assured shorthold tenancies with: • Regular emotional and practical support by a female support worker • Support to maintain your tenancy The scheme aims to offer continuity and stability to women and their children, allowing them to remain in the property after the support has ended and reside as a general needs tenant with NCHA. Single women are supported to move into alternative single person’s accommodation when they no longer require the service.

The Application Process • Forms are available online www.nottswa.org or by contacting the Farr Centre on 01909 533610. • We will contact you when we receive your form to discuss your application. Pets are considered. • Properties are allocated based on priority rather than length of time on waiting list.

Specialist “Move On” Two of these properties are managed as temporary “move on” accommodation, offering part-furnished supported accommodation that prioritises women who have issues of domestic abuse and, substance or alcohol misuse or mental health issues. Properties are offered on a six month assured shorthold tenancy with the aim of helping you to fi nd alternative suitable accommodation at the end of this period.

For further information or to discuss making an application please contact The Farr Centre on 01909 533610, Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

11 IDVA Service

The Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service is a free, professional and confidential short term service provided by Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd to support high risk female clients experiencing domestic abuse in Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood area. Our aim is to reduce risk level with a focus on safety of the client and any children. The service has achieved Leading Lights accreditation, a standard of best practice for IDVA services. IDVAs act as advocates on your behalf providing crisis intervention, and emotional and practical support through the criminal and civil justice systems. The IDVA service is co located within the police public protection unit. IDVAs work closely with a range of agencies including the police, housing, children and adult services and legal services in order that together we can better assess monitor and manage the risk to high risk victims and their children. What can you expect? Once we have received a referral we will contact you to discuss your individual support needs. We can help you develop your own personal safety plan based on your circumstances. We aim to be a single point of contact which means we will liaise with other agencies on your behalf and may attend meetings and court with you. We will inform you about your rights and options regarding housing and the legal process. When the short term crisis intervention support ends we will offer referrals to longer term alternative support. Please note the IDVA service is not an emergency response service. In an emergency contact: • Police 999 • Women’s Aid 24/7 helpline 0808 8000340 • Social Services Emergency Duty Team 0300 4564546 To contact the IDVA service phone 101 to be connected to Nottinghamshire Police and ask for IDVA services North or referral forms are available on www.nottswa.org.

12 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd 01909 533610 • [email protected] • www.nottswa.org Women’s Safety Worker (WSW) Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd delivers the Women’s Safety Worker role on behalf of Nottinghamshire Probation and covers Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood areas. This role supports domestic abuse victims and subsequent female partners of men who are attending the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP). Referrals to this service come solely from Probation. As well as liaising with clients regarding the IDAP our WSW also provide the same practical, emotional and safety focussed support as delivered across our other services.

North Nottinghamshire MARAC Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference Domestic abuse cases assessed as very high risk of serious harm may be referred to the MARAC. This is an opportunity for agencies to work together to ensure the safety of victims and children. Clients/victims do not attend this agency meeting but the IDVA service can advocate on their behalf, putting forward the victim’s own views, wishes and concerns. The IDVA will liaise with the victim before and after the MARAC, feeding back the action plan and putting any necessary support in place.

To make a referral contact the MARAC Administrator on Tel: 07880 557136 Email: [email protected] Forms, further information and guidance are available at www.nottswa.org

13 Domestic Abuse Drop in Service Confi dential support and information for women by women This service is run by female support workers providing one to one information and support to women on domestic abuse issues. It provides: • A chance to talk in confi dence • Information • Practical and emotional support • Safety planning • Access to other specialist services • Referral to a women’s refuge.

The service operates in: • Worksop • Retford • Harworth • Mansfi eld • Newark & Sherwood

For further information, exact locations and timings please contact: 01909 533610 – Mon – Fri 9:00 am -5:00 pm [email protected] www.nottswa.org

There is a 24 hour freephone helpline in Nottinghamshire for women experiencing domestic violence. To talk to someone about what your are going through or to get help to leave contact 0808 8000 340.

14 Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd 01909 533610 • [email protected] • www.nottswa.org Safety Planning

If you are thinking about leaving an abusive relationship here is a checklist to help you plan: • Contact Women’s Aid for practical and emotional support and to help you plan your leaving. • Plan to go somewhere that is safe, ideally somewhere the abuser does not know about . • Contact Women’s Aid, your local council homeless department or Social Care for refuge, temporary accommodation or hostel space. • Try to keep a small amount of money with you at all times, including change for phones, bus fares and credit for your mobile. • Keep all important documents and ID in a safe place, passport, bank cards, diary, important phone numbers marriage and birth certificates etc. • Keep a bag packed at a safe place containing essential items eg spare clothes and necessary medicines. • Seek legal and benefit advice on what you may be entitled to. • Rehearse an escape plan with your children so you can get away safely in an emergency. • Ensure that the children realise that it is important not to tell family/friends where you are going.

Domestic Violence and Abuse The Farr Centre 01909 533610 for support and information 0808 8000 340 24 hour free helpline Text phone 0808 8000341

15 Bassetlaw

Worksop

Retford

Ollerton

MANSFIELD NEWARK & SHERWOOD ashfield Newark