At Cornwall Housing, we understand that domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, sexuality, disability, or circumstances. This includes children and young people who see, hear or experience the effects of abuse in the home.
Domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, economic, controlling, or coercive behaviour.
We are committed to supporting residents who are experiencing domestic abuse and helping them access the protection and specialist support they need.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
Domestic abuse is not always visible. Signs may include:
Isolation from friends and family
Fearfulness around a partner
Financial control
Being constantly criticised, humiliated or put down
Being told who you can see or where you can go
Frequent cancellations or missed appointments
Unexplained injuries
Excessive monitoring of phone, email or online activity
We take every report of domestic abuse seriously and treat it as a priority.
Our approach is centred around the person experiencing abuse. We will:
Listen and believe you
Be non-judgmental – we recognise that every person's circumstances are different
Treat you with dignity, sensitivity, and respect
Work with you to understand your situation and what support you need
Respect your choices and work at a pace that feels right for you
Develop a personalised action plan to help improve your safety and wellbeing
Work quickly and make contact within one working day of a report being made.
Domestic abuse often requires support from a range of specialist services. We work closely with local partners, including the police, Cornwall Council, Safer Futures, safeguarding teams, and other support organisations to help residents access the right support at the right time.
We can help connect you with services that offer:
Independent domestic abuse advice and advocacy
Safety planning and risk assessments
Emotional and practical support
Legal advice and guidance
Financial and income support
Emergency accommodation and housing advice
Where appropriate, we can also work with partner agencies to improve security measures in your home to help you feel safer.
Safer Futures is Cornwall's specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence support service.
Through Safer Futures, residents can access specialist support, including:
Safety planning.
Risk assessments.
Independent advice and advocacy.
Support through the criminal justice process.
Referrals to specialist services.
Help for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
If you would like support from Safer Futures, we can help you make contact and access the services available.
We understand that contacting support can feel difficult.
Information about your circumstances will be treated sensitively and shared only when necessary and appropriate. We will explain how information is used and work with you wherever possible before involving other agencies.
Our priority is helping you stay safe while ensuring you have access to the support you need.
If you are concerned someone may monitor your internet use, consider using a safe device or private browsing.
If you no longer feel safe in your home, we can help you explore your housing options.
Depending on your circumstances, support may include:
Referrals to Cornwall Council's Housing Options service.
Advice about emergency accommodation.
Support to register for Homechoice.
Referrals to specialist safe accommodation services.
Assistance to help you remain safely in your home where this is your preferred option.
Every situation is different, and we will work with you to identify the safest and most suitable solution.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and want to remain in your home, you may be able to access support through Cornwall Council's Sanctuary Scheme.
The scheme helps people at high risk of domestic abuse stay safely in their homes by providing additional security measures where appropriate.
You may be worried about a friend, family member or neighbour who is experiencing domestic abuse.
You do not need proof to seek advice. If you are concerned about someone's safety, contact us or a specialist support service for guidance.
You do not have to deal with domestic abuse alone. Whether you are experiencing abuse now, concerned about someone else, or looking for advice, please contact us in confidence.
Telephone: 0300 1234 161
Email: info@cornwallhousing.org.uk
If you need this information in another format, language, large print, Braille, or audio, please let us know.
Bright Sky - free app to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond, and find a safe route to support
HollieGuard - app (free version available) that provides tools such as silent alerts and evidence capture
Claire’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme/DVDS) - Clare’s Law allows the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.
Help For Male Victims - ManKind Initiative - support and information
LGBT Community Same Sex Domestic Abuse - End The Fear and Galop - the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity
Email: info@cornwallhousing.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 1234 161
