Advice for victims of domestic abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Support is available to help you stay safe and know your rights.
Our Housing Solutions team works closely with Essex Compass and other local and national services to provide:
- specialist support
- guidance
- referrals
If you are immediate danger and your safety is threatened or you are at risk of harm, call the police on 999.
If you are calling from a mobile phone and it is not safe to speak, press 55 to be connected to the police, who will then try to communicate with you by asking simple questions that you can answer “yes” or “no” to.
Local services
For local support in Essex contact Essex Compass on 0330 333 7 444 or visit their website.
The Compass helpline is available 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on weekends.
Outside of these times, you can leave a message and will get a reply within 24 hours.
Housing and emergency accommodation
We are here to give advice and support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
While emergency housing may not be available for everyone, we will work with you to look at range of safe housing options based on your needs. This may include:
- access to specialist refuge accommodation
- support to stay safely in your home
- help in getting alternative housing
We want to make sure you get the right support in a way that works best for you.
If you are leaving an abusive situation, you do not need a local connection to get help from any local authority.
You may be safer relocating to another area, we can guide you through the process.
Please contact us by emailing HousingSolutionsTeam@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 215002.