Domestic Abuse

Homelessness Partnership - RESPONSE Pilot

The RESPONSE Domestic Abuse Link Pilot is a 24-hour service for women experiencing domestic abuse who are also at risk of homelessness. The service is provided by Community Casework Teams (CCTs) during the day and by Outreach Link Workers during the night.

Social Work Services Commitment

Our Commitment
What Social Work Services can offer
What to expect
How you can contact Social Work Services
If you have children
Do you require interpreting or signing services at your interview?
If you are physically disabled
Housing Support in Domestic Abuse situations

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is the mental, physical, sexual or financial abuse of the female partner by the male partner with whom they have or have had a relationship.

Domestic abuse is not only about physical abuse. Men can also use sexual, emotional, mental and financial abuse to hurt and control women. For example, constantly criticising you, telling you you’re stupid, keeping you deliberately short of money. It is important these are not overlooked since for some women these forms of abuse can be equally, if not more, severe.

Often abuse happens over a long period of time and can become worse as time goes on. You are not to blame for domestic abuse against you. Domestic abuse is an inappropriate use of power and exertion of control and the abuser is to blame.

Acts of domestic abuse can also be committed either by women towards men, or in single sex relationships. Social Work Services, however, focuses its policy on abuse committed by men towards women, as this is the most common form of abuse.

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Our Commitment

Glasgow City Council Social Work Services is committed to:

• supporting and developing services for women and their children experiencing domestic abuse to support women and to assist them to feel safe
• ensuring that social work staff do not make judgements about women experiencing domestic abuse
• recognising that women experiencing abuse come from all social classes, ethnic groups, occupations and economic groups
• recognising the impact domestic abuse has on children and young people and supporting them to express their views
• ensuring women are informed of action we take on their behalf and what happens as a result
• ensuring confidentiality wherever possible
• linking up with other Council Services and other organisations to make sure that women experiencing domestic abuse can obtain all the services they need as easily as possible

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What Social Work Services can offer

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you may need help while still in an abusive relationship, while you are planning to leave or once you have left. We can offer you the chance to talk about your situation and can give information on possible options along with information and advice on:

• finance and welfare benefits
• support services for children and young people
• local counselling services and projects
• housing
• community support services

We will put you in touch with other Council Services and other agencies who can provide help.

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What to expect

We will listen and respect the views of women experiencing domestic abuse. You are the best person to decide what is right for you. You have the right to be treated with respect at all times and you will be seen by a woman worker if you request it. You may bring someone with you to the appointment if you wish. We provide a confidential service and your rights will be explained when you first come along to see us.

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How you can contact Social Work Services

Your local social work office operates an appointment system. You can telephone or call into your local office to arrange a suitable time. Our reception staff will ask for some basic information and give you an appointment. If it is an emergency you will be seen on the same day.

Local social work offices are open:
Monday-Thursday 8.45am to 4.45pm
Friday 8.45am to 3.55pm

Out with these hours you can contact our Emergency Service on freephone 0800 811505

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If you have children

Domestic abuse has an impact on children and their views have to be considered. We will give what support we can to help you and your children. We recognise that protecting you is often the best way to protect your children.

Do you require interpreting or signing services at your interview?

If you need to communicate in a language other than English we can arrange an interpreter.

If you arrive at an area office, the member of staff you see can arrange telephone interpreting in Urdu, Punjabi or Chinese. We can then deal with your issue via telephone interpreting or make an appointment when an interpreter can attend in person. If you require interpreting in any other language, an appointment will be made when an interpreter can be present.

If you have a hearing impairment and would like an interpreter to attend your appointment please let us know and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Arranging interpreters may mean you have to wait a bit longer for an appointment.

If you are physically disabled

Home visits can be arranged for disabled women who are unable to get to their local office. If you don’t want to be visited at home another suitable venue can be found.

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Further information about Domestic Abuse