The Hub
Our housing guidance site
Our partners and sources of help
In this section:
- Camden Safety Net.
- The domestic abuse MDT.
- Specialist domestic abuse services.
Camden Safety Net
Camden Safety Net (CSN) is Camden’s in-house service providing support to those experiencing domestic and sexual abuse. CSN provides independent, confidential and non-judgemental support to victims of abuse of all genders aged 16 plus that lives, works or studies in Camden.
CSN is staffed by specialist independent domestic and sexual violence advisors (IDSVAs) who carry out risk assessment and safety and support planning. They also offer support through the criminal justice process from initial reporting to court as well as offering support with access to legal advice and assistance. Part of the service includes helping survivors seek protective orders e.g. non molestation orders, occupation orders and child arrangement orders. CSN work holistically and will support survivors to access the necessary healthcare, counselling, and financial support.
Joint work with CSN.
ISDVAs are well placed to speak to survivors about their experience of abuse and to use this information to assess the level of risk. It is important to work collaboratively with CSN and recognising each other expertise, i.e. through meeting regularly and agreeing areas of work, e.g. the IDSVA leading on the DVA risk management and safety planning and you leading on housing management and rehousing.
Referring to CSN.
CSN require consent to work with a client. Ask the survivor for their permission before referring them to CSN. Verbal consent is sufficient. If the case is due to be heard at MARAC then CSN can contact the client without their consent due to the high risks. If you’re not sure whether to refer a client or want some advice and support contact the duty worker on 020 7974 2526, or email [email protected].
You can refer a client to CSN by sending a completed version of the DVA Assessment form to: [email protected] CSN’s working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Outside these hours you can contact the National DV Helpline 0808 2000 247.
Domestic abuse multi-disciplinary team (MDT)
Cases involving a tenant, or someone living with a tenant, experiencing domestic abuse should be referred to the domestic abuse multi-disciplinary team (MDT). The MDT provides support with complex cases taking a collaborative approach. Often no single agency or individual has the complete picture of the life of a survivor, but all may have insights that are crucial to their safety.
The MDT has representatives from Allocations, Neighbourhoods, Camden Safety Net and specialist perpetrator projects. Case workers attend and the MDT provides support with any challenges and with the options for the person experiencing domestic abuse. Information is shared about risks enabling representatives to create an action plan to increase the survivor’s safety.
To refer a case to the MDT please contact Hannah Slydel, Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) Coordinator.
Specialist domestic abuse services.
We know that it is essential that domestic abuse support considers all of a survivor needs and full identity. Some survivors prefer to access support from a specialist organisation or group that is run and delivered by people from a shared community.
- Asian Women’s Resource Centre: provides support and advice to Asian and global majority people experiencing abuse and runs a specialist support service for migrant women – www.asianwomencentre.org.uk or 020 8961 6549 /5701
- Hopscotch: supports women from ethnic minorities experiencing abuse.
- Jewish Women’s Aid: provides advice and therapy services for Jewish women experiencing abuse.
- SignHealth: provides advice and support for deaf people experiencing abuse.
- Solace: runs the Silver Project for older women experiencing abuse.
- Men’s Advice Line: domestic abuse helpline for male victims.
- Galop: LGBT and anti-abuse charity LGBT
- Latin American Women’s Aid: support for Latin American women experiencing abuse.
- IKWRO Women’s Rights Organisation: support for Middle Eastern and north African women experiencing abuse.
- Southall Black Sisters: support for Black and minoritised women experiencing abuse.
- Maya Centre: offers free, culturally sensitive counselling and group work.
- Sistah Space: supports African and Caribbean heritage women.
Help with money
Survivors who want to move, even temporarily, should be advised that they may be entitled to housing benefit on two properties for a limited period, depending on their circumstances. The survivor should always be advised to speak to the Housing Benefit Section. Universal Credit is also payable on two properties for a limited time and (at present) people in temporary accommodation receive Housing Benefit and not Universal Credit.
Consider making a referral to the welfare rights team or pulling on their support to help with your case. Speak to the duty advisor if you need support straightaway.
