Domestic Abuse

Important: if you feel in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of abusing and controlling behaviour. It's often caused by a partner or ex-partner, but can also be a family member or carer. It's very common. Domestic abuse can include controlling and coercive behaviour, psychological and emotional, financial abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, sexual abuse and rape, threats, harassment and stalking and online or digital abuse. You're being abused if you feel you have to alter your behaviour because you’re frightened of how someone will react or treat you.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone – men, women and those who identify as non-binary and it can occur in any relationship – heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, young or old.

How can we help you

You have the right to feel safe in your home. As your landlord, we’ll help and support you.

You can contact our office during office hours, if you require assistant further information can be obtained here https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/domestic-violence-and-abuse

If you have concerns that another Ark Housing resident is suffering domestic abuse, you can also let us know on 028 9075 2310. If you feel something is happening right now, please call the police on 999.

The Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 extended the grounds for possession to include domestic violence. Ark Housing is empowered to respond where a partner has vacated the dwelling because of violence or threats of violence by the other partner, whether the violence or threat of violence is directed at the partner or at other family members living with the partner.

As in any case of anti-social behaviour, Ark Housing recognises the need to ensure the safety of the individual experiencing the anti-social behaviour.

The decision to return to the family home after an abusive partner has been removed is entirely a matter for the individual concerned.

Some organisations that can offer help and advice

Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland

Offering a range of specialist support services to women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, including emergency accommodation. Local groups' contact details at www.womensaidni.org/get-help/local-groups. A webchat service is available Monday to Friday 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Visit www.belfastwomensaid.org.uk and click the icon on the lower right hand corner.

Nexus NI
Sexual trauma charity offering specialist counselling, information, and support to anyone affected by any form of sexual assault, rape or violence. Providing counselling services to women, men and children aged 8-16 years: www.nexusni.org.

24 hr Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline (operated by Nexus)
Free and confidential service offering help and support to male and female victims and survivors, and those with concerns. Call free on 0808 802 1414, via the live webchat function at www.dsahelpline.org, or via email: help@dsahelpline.org

Safe Spaces
Victims of domestic abuse can go to Safe Spaces for someone to help collect their thoughts, to contact a helpline or find a local support service.

The Rainbow Project
Providing help for the LGBTQ community affected by domestic abuse. Call 028 9031 9030, email info@rainbow-project.org or visit www.rainbow-project.org.

Men’s Alliance Northern Ireland
A unique private user-led peer support group on Facebook dedicated to male victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland. Signposting to support services available: www.MensAllianceNI.co.uk. Email Info@MensAllianceNI.co.uk.

Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme
If you’re worried that your partner or the partner of someone you know has a history of domestic abuse, you can ask the police to check for you through the Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme. The scheme is for men and women: www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/domestic-violence-and-abuse-disclosure-scheme

Men's Advisory Project
Providing listening, confidential and group counselling, legal advice and other services to men who face abuse. Call 028 9024 1929 or 028 7116 0001, email info@mapni.co.uk or visit www.mapni.co.uk.

Victim Support NI
www.victimsupportni.com. Supporting victims and witnesses of crime, and providing specialist support for victims of sexual violence (ISVA service). Contact their Hubs in Belfast: 028 9024 3133 or Foyle: 028 7137 0086, or email isva@victimsupportni.org.uk.

Bright Sky App
You can also download the Bright Sky app onto your mobile device. Bright Sky allows you to record incidents of domestic abuse and has details of support agencies that can help you.

You can find more useful information by following the links below:

Read our ASB Toolkit for information on how to get help for other types of violence.